First Brazilian-Produced Gripen E Fighter Unveiled by Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force
The first Gripen E fighter jet produced in Brazil recently made its debut in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State.
Embraer presented the supersonic fighter aircraft at its industrial complex along with Saab and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). The Brazilian Air Force has also contracted Embraer to produce 14 additional aircraft under the same production model.
Attendees of the unveiling event included:
- President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
- Ambassador of Sweden to Brazil, Karin Wallensteen
- Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro Filho
- Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno
- President and CEO of Embraer, Francisco Gomes Neto
- President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, Bosco da Costa Junior
- President and CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson
At the Gavião Peixoto site, Embraer combines Brazilian and international supply chains to produce the Gripen E fighter aircraft. This includes aerostructures from Saab’s São Bernardo do Campo location.
Functional testing and production flight tests are planned for the aircraft before it reaches its final destination with the First Defense Group (1st GDA) at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Gripen E uses sensor fusion and a network-centric architecture to share information across tactical formations. This increases threat response and overall awareness and enhances decision-making.
This aircraft is used in missions like:
- Air defense
- Strike
- Reconnaissance
President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security Bosco da Costa Junior said, “We take great pride in supporting the Brazilian Air Force in this project and in developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft—fully capable of executing air superiority missions and contributing to the defense of our territorial sovereignty.”
He continued, “The unveiling of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents yet another significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between Brazil and Sweden. We are confident that this partnership generates value for both countries and holds great potential to open up new business opportunities.”
President and CEO of Saab Michael Johansson said, “The delivery of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents far more than the completion of an aircraft. It symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
Johansson added, “We are extremely proud of what we have achieved side by side with our Brazilian partners.”
“Saab remains fully committed to expanding, and deepening our presence in Brazil, strengthening the country industrially and technologically, and as an export hub to the world,” noted Johansson.