Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos conducted the flight. The sortie verified the operation of the aircraft’s core systems and provided an initial assessment of its flight performance.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area. “Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality.”
Saab designed Gripen F to shorten pilot training and improve operational performance during advanced combat missions. The aircraft will now proceed through a structured flight-test campaign before acceptance and delivery.
Following the initial production acceptance flights, test crews will gradually expand the aircraft’s operating envelope. The work will clear its speed, altitude, G-load and angle-of-attack limits in successive stages.
The campaign will also assess tactical capabilities and rear-cockpit functions developed for the two-seat configuration. These evaluations will determine how the additional cockpit supports training and operational missions.
Gripen F reflects the strategic defence partnership between Brazil and Sweden and the extensive technology transfer conducted under the Brazilian Gripen Programme. Brazil’s role as launch customer gave its industry direct participation in developing the aircraft and established a basis for long-term cooperation.
More than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians and pilots have taken part in training covering development, production, flight testing and maintenance. Their involvement has supported the transfer of expertise required for Brazil’s participation in the programme.
Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden will conduct the remainder of the campaign. The aircraft will be prepared for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force after the planned tests and acceptance procedures are completed.
