The event was attended by senior Brazilian and international representatives, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Sweden’s Ambassador to Brazil, Karin Wallensten. Also present were Defence Minister José Múcio Monteiro Filho, Brazilian Air Force Commander Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, and executives from Saab and Embraer.
“The delivery of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents far more than the completion of an aircraft; it symbolises the strength of a partnership built on trust, long term vision, and true cooperation. 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,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
The programme reflects a broader industrial collaboration, with Gripen E aircraft produced at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility using both Brazilian and international supply chains. This includes aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
“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. 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,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
A further 14 aircraft under the current contract with the Brazilian Air Force will be produced following the same model. Before delivery, each aircraft will undergo functional and production flight testing.
Following testing, the aircraft will join ten Gripen units already delivered to the First Defence Group (1st GDA) at Anápolis Air Force Base. Since February, the aircraft has been operating in Quick Reaction Alert missions, safeguarding airspace over the federal government district.
Gripen E is designed as a multi-role fighter capable of air defence, reconnaissance and strike missions. It incorporates advanced avionics, sensors and network-centric systems to support coordinated operations and enhanced situational awareness.
The programme is part of a 2014 contract between Saab and the Brazilian government covering the development and production of 36 Gripen aircraft. Deliveries began in 2020, with 11 aircraft handed over to date.
