The first Brazilian Gripen E, designated by Brazilian Air Force as F-39 Gripen, concluded its first flight in Brazil recently.
The aircraft flew from the airport in Navegantes to Embraer´s facility in Gavião Peixoto.
Saab say that the official presentation of the aircraft is scheduled to take place during the Aviator’s Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day ceremony in Brasilia, celebrated on the 23rd of October.
“Gripen’s arrival in Brazil and its first flight are major milestones in the Brazilian Gripen programme. We are proud of this journey alongside so many qualified and committed professionals from both countries,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
“We are following the delivery schedule for the aircraft and we continue to maintain our long-term commitment to Brazil.”
The President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Jackson Schneider, highlighted the scope of this partnership:
“Embraer will play a leading role in the execution of the Gripen programme in Brazil and will be responsible for systems development, integration, flight testing, final assembly, and delivery of the aircraft in support of Brazilian Air Force operations. In terms of technology transfer, the Gripen is a great opportunity to increase our knowledge in the development and manufacturing of advanced combat aircraft.”
The partnership with Brazil began in 2014 with a contract for the development and the production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force, including related systems, support and equipment.
Nigel, where are you?!
I know its been covered many times here why buying this is a drain of money that could go on Typhoon, F35, and I understand the logic.
But I still like these aircraft.
I agree, I sometimes wonder if we could afford several sqns of Gripen for places such as Falklands, Gib, Cyprus and Oman, possibly even for advanced fast jet and combat training. That would leave the F35s and Typhoons for peer to peer duties. It looks like you could get two Gripen Es for a F35B
And add another jet to the roster? Gripens may seem like a decent second line, but is the cost of all the extra maintenance, spares, training etc etc worth it for a couple dozen aircraft? The Falklands already has a flight of Tiffys, Gib is alright, Cyprus and Oman aren’t likely to have anything serious kick off afaik. Probably better to add a Hawk flight. Cheap, cheerful, there’s a few extra knocking about and a couple of Sidewinders are still Sidewinders.
Hi Daniele, Yes I agree, but given that we have the possibility of defence cuts around the corner I would lean more towards upgrading our Typhoon fleet and replacing all of the Tranche 1 and possibly 2 aircraft while focusing our efforts and available finances on Tempest and loyal wingman. LEREX, thrust vectoring with the potential for increased power with the addition of AESA radars will make this the ideal platform for day 2 of any future conflicts. Typhoon has controlled Taranis successfully in past trials and no doubt Tempest will be able to do the same. This will also… Read more »
In short, the smart play will be to upgrade 4th gen aircraft to 4.5 and concentrate on the future, 6th gen!
“Boeing rolled out the first Loyal Wingman prototype in early May and its first flight is scheduled before the end of 2020.”
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/boeing-australia-confirms-loyal-wingman-production-centre
Brazil are getting a great plane, and they go with other Saab products to make a great system, it’s fantastic for Brazil, especially because of the technology transfer. We wouldn’t get any of those advantages from the Gripen, just the great plane part. We should learn how Saab do this, and apply it to Tempest. All the tech that we are creating for that system could be used as the technology transfer aspect of future Tempset sales. Countries would sign up en mass, which would allow easy integration of all other British and European systems. If Saab joins Tempest then… Read more »
Strangely enough,due to Red Tape regarding Licensing,Manufacture and Import Rules this example actually made the Long Journey by Ship.
Would the Brazilian designation as ‘F39’ be a PR attempt to compare it to the F35?
It appears to be just a Local Designation – no connection to the F35.