First Brazilian-built Gripen E takes flight as local production ramps up

The first Gripen E fighter assembled in Brazil has completed its maiden flight, Embraer announced on October 7, 2026.

The flight moves the aircraft into the production flight-test and acceptance campaign that precedes delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.

The jet took off from Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo state, with a Saab test pilot at the controls. According to Embraer, the flight checked the aircraft’s main systems and flight characteristics and generated data for the remaining acceptance work.

The Brazilian Air Force has registered the aircraft as FAB 4109 and designates the type F-39E. It was rolled out at Gavião Peixoto on March 25, 2026, at a ceremony attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

It is the first of 15 Gripen E fighters to be produced in Brazil under the current contract.

“This maiden flight shows that Gripen production in Brazil has reached a new level of maturity,” said Marcus Wandt, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

Brazilian-built Gripen heads toward operational service

First Gripen E produced in Brazil by Embraer makes its maiden flight. (Credit: Embraer)Once acceptance testing is complete, the aircraft will be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force before moving to Anápolis Air Base in Goiás state, home of the First Air Defense Group, which operates Brazil’s Gripen fleet.

The 2014 contract covers 36 aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force: 28 single-seat Gripen E and eight two-seat Gripen F. According to Embraer, deliveries began in 2020, with ten aircraft handed over by the time of the October 7 announcement.

Saab rolled out the first Gripen F for Brazil at its Linköping facility in Sweden on June 2, 2026.

Brazil could build another 20 Gripens

First Gripen E produced in Brazil by Embraer makes its maiden flight. (Credit: Embraer)The maiden flight comes as Brazil and Sweden negotiate a follow-on batch of Gripen fighters.

The two countries’ defense ministers said in a joint statement issued in Stockholm on June 4, 2026 that negotiations were under way on an amendment to the existing contract and the purchase of 20 additional Gripen E/F aircraft.

At the Farnborough International Airshow on July 21, 2026, Embraer and Saab signed a Heads of Agreement establishing a framework for the potential production of those 20 aircraft at Gavião Peixoto, alongside Saab’s final assembly line in Linköping.

The companies said at the time that they intended to conclude the corresponding agreement in 2026. According to Embraer, negotiations toward new contracts remain ongoing.

Saab has linked the planned expansion to growing global demand for the Gripen E/F, following new orders including 17 aircraft for Colombia in November 2025 and 16 new-build Gripen E fighters for Ukraine, announced on June 30, 2026.The post First Brazilian-built Gripen E takes flight as local production ramps up appeared first on AeroTime.

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