LINKÖPING, SWEDEN — June 03, 2026 : Swedish aerospace company Saab has officially unveiled the first Gripen F two-seat fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force during a rollout ceremony held at its facilities in Linköping on June 2, 2026. The aircraft, designated F-39F in Brazil and carrying serial number 4000, represents a significant milestone in the long-running defense and technology partnership between Sweden and Brazil.
The Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter and has been developed to serve both as an advanced training platform and a fully operational combat aircraft. Following its public presentation, the aircraft will undergo a dedicated flight test campaign at Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden before being delivered to the Brazilian Air Force.
While sharing the same sensors, mission systems, combat avionics, thrust, maximum takeoff weight, and weapon hardpoints as the single-seat Gripen E, the Gripen F features a fully independent second cockpit. The aircraft is approximately 70 centimeters longer than the single-seat version to accommodate the additional crew member and does not carry the internal Mauser BK27 cannon found on the Gripen E.
The second cockpit is designed to support pilot training and operational missions. It allows instructors to guide trainee pilots during live missions under realistic conditions, helping accelerate pilot conversion training. In combat operations, the additional crew member can assist with mission management, sensor operation, and tactical coordination, improving overall mission effectiveness in complex environments.
Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F and played a central role in its co-development. The aircraft forms part of a 2014 agreement between Saab and the Brazilian government for the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, including 28 single-seat Gripen E aircraft and eight Gripen F variants. The contract, valued at approximately $5.4 billion, also includes an extensive technology-transfer program aimed at strengthening Brazil’s aerospace industry.
Under the program, hundreds of Brazilian engineers and technicians received specialized training in Sweden. Brazilian aerospace company Embraer, Saab’s main local partner, has been assembling Gripen aircraft at its facility in Gavião Peixoto and is responsible for producing 15 of the single-seat aircraft in Brazil.
“The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry, and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.
Deliveries of Gripen aircraft to Brazil began in 2020, and 11 aircraft have been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force so far. Earlier this year, Saab and Embraer also presented the first Gripen E assembled in Brazil, marking the beginning of local production under the program.
The cooperation between Saab and Brazil may expand further. Brazilian Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro confirmed that discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of a dedicated Gripen research and development center in São José dos Campos, a major aerospace hub and the location of Embraer’s headquarters.
Saab also confirmed that the Gripen F has attracted international customers beyond Brazil, with orders received from Thailand and Colombia. The growing adoption of the two-seat variant is expected to expand its role in both advanced pilot training and frontline combat operations within multiple air forces.
——— End of Article ———
