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.