Embraer, Saab and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) officially presented the first supersonic fighter aircraft produced in Brazil, during a ceremony held at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gaviao Peixoto, Sao Paulo State on 25 March 2026.
Among the Brazilian authorities present at the event were the President of the Republic, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva; the Ambassador of Sweden to Brazil, Karin Wallensteen; the Minister of Defense, Jose Mucio Monteiro Filho; the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno; as well as executives from the companies involved in the programme, including Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, and Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
“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 defence 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,” stated Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security.
“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,” stated Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
Embraer’s industrial site in Gaviao Peixoto produces Gripen E fighter jets using a Brazilian and international supply chain, including aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s facility in Sao Bernardo do Campo. Another 14 aircraft under the current contract with the Brazilian Air Force will follow this same production model. Before final delivery to the customer, the aircraft will undergo functional testing and production flight tests. After this stage, the fighter will join the other ten units already delivered to the First Defense Group (1st GDA) at the Anapolis Air Force Base.
“Gripen E is the world’s most modern fighter aircraft, designed for multi-mission roles such as air defense, reconnaissance and strike. Gripen E integrates modern avionics, sensors, weapons and missions’ systems to improve performance in complex environments. Its network centric architecture and sensor-fusion capabilities enable information sharing across a tactical formation, supporting coordinated decision making and enhancing situational awareness and threat response”, stated company officials.
The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government includes the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters — 28 single‑seat Gripen E and 8 two‑seat Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020, and 10 aircraft have been handed over to date. Since February, the fighter has been operating in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from Anapolis Air Force Base, safeguarding the airspace over the federal government district.
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