Brazil has unveiled the first Gripen E fighter assembled on its own soil, a milestone for the Saab-Embraer program and a visible step forward in the country’s push to build advanced combat aircraft locally.
The aircraft was officially presented on March 25, 2026, during a ceremony at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, in São Paulo state. The event brought together Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensten, Saab CEO Micael Johansson, Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto, and Embraer Defense & Security CEO Bosco da Costa Junior.
The rollout marks the first time a Gripen fighter has been produced outside Sweden and, according to Saab and Embraer, makes Brazil one of a small number of countries capable of producing supersonic fighter aircraft domestically.
“This represents far more than the completion of an aircraft,” Johansson said in a statement. “It symbolises the strength of a partnership built on trust, long-term vision, and true cooperation.”
Bosco da Costa Junior said the milestone reflects the growth of Brazil’s domestic aerospace capability.
“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,” he said.
Local production model expands
The Gripen E unveiled in Gavião Peixoto was produced through a Brazilian and international supply chain. Aerostructures for the aircraft are manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo, while final assembly takes place at Embraer’s facility.
Saab said another 14 aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force under the current contract will follow the same production model.
Before entering service, the aircraft will undergo functional checks and production flight testing. It will then join the fleet already operated by the Brazilian Air Force’s 1st Air Defense Group at Anápolis Air Base.
Gripen program moves deeper into service
Brazil signed for 36 Gripen fighters in 2014, including 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and eight twin-seat Gripen F aircraft. Deliveries began in 2020, and 11 aircraft have been handed over so far.
The program is now moving forward on both the industrial and operational fronts. Since February 2026, the Gripen E has been flying Quick Reaction Alert missions from Anápolis Air Base, helping protect the airspace over Brazil’s federal capital region.