Saab has officially rolled out the first Gripen F fighter jet, marking a significant milestone for the Brazilian Air Force. This event took place on June 2, 2023, at Saab’s facility in Linköping, Sweden.
Introduction to Gripen F Fighter Jet
The Gripen F is a two-seat variant of the Gripen E series. It has been developed to meet modern air forces’ training and operational demands. The design allows for both conversion training and combat capabilities on a single platform.
Collaboration with Brazil
Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F, actively participating in its co-development. This collaboration has fostered a long-term partnership between Saab and Brazilian industry.
- Brazil’s involvement has included an extensive transfer-of-technology program.
- This initiative has trained hundreds of engineers and technicians in Brazil.
- It has strengthened Brazil’s advanced design and development skills in the aerospace sector.
Performance and Training Enhancements
The Gripen F is designed for rapid operational transformation, showcasing world-class performance and advanced sensors. Its unique feature is a fully independent second cockpit, enabling instructor-guided missions.
This capability allows trainee pilots to engage in realistic flying scenarios, significantly improving their training speed and operational readiness. The aircraft enhances effectiveness in high-threat environments by facilitating better mission command and shared workload among pilots.
Flight Testing and Delivery
Before its final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force, the Gripen F will undergo a dedicated flight test campaign at Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden. The contract signed with the Brazilian government in 2014 covers the production of 36 aircraft, consisting of 28 Gripen E and eight Gripen F variants.
- Deliveries of the Gripen fighters began in 2020.
- To date, a total of 11 Gripen aircraft have been delivered to Brazil.
International Orders and Saab’s Commitment
Saab has also received additional Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia. The company continues to focus on enhancing global defense capabilities through innovative technology and skilled personnel.
With a workforce of around 28,000 talented individuals, Saab is committed to creating a safer world while maintaining its leadership in defense and security systems.
