The first Gripen E fighter aircraft assembled in Brazil has been officially unveiled, marking a milestone in the country’s ability to produce advanced combat aircraft, according to Saab.
The rollout took place on 25 March at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, senior military officials and industry leaders in attendance. The aircraft is part of a wider programme to deliver 36 Gripen fighters to the Brazilian Air Force under a contract signed in 2014.
The programme is being delivered through a partnership between Saab and Embraer, with production involving both Brazilian and international supply chains. Saab said the development reflects a long-term effort to build domestic industrial and technological capability in Brazil.
“The delivery of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents far more than the completion of an aircraft; it symbolises the strength of a partnership built on trust, long-term vision, and true cooperation,” said Saab CEO Micael Johansson.
Embraer Defence & Security President Bosco da Costa Junior said the project supports the development of national capability, adding: “The unveiling of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents yet another significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between Brazil and Sweden.”
The aircraft will now undergo ground and flight testing before entering service. It is expected to join the Brazilian Air Force’s 1st Air Defence Group at Anápolis Air Base, where other Gripen aircraft are already in operation, including in quick reaction alert duties.
They are talking up what is essentially final assembly as production. The two are vastly different things.
Without the design and production of many parts by other nations, they would not have been capable of “producing” any advanced combat aircraft.
That’s the same for all aircraft manufacturing. Lockheed Martin only does final assembly of F35. Without parts from BAE and Northrop there would be no aircraft.
There are Brazilian parts in all Gripen E/F like the WAD and Brazil should be involved in the design of the F version even if the production is switch to Linköping. There are other hull parts manufactured in Brazil which is sent to Linköping.