The first two serial production Gripen E fighters from Saab, called F-39 Gripen by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), have completed their first flight with the FAB in Brazil.
The flights were conducted by two FAB pilots, who participated in training in Sweden. The aircraft flew from Navegantes International Airport to the Gripen Flight Test Center at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto, with the 50 minute flight taking place as planned.
“The arrival of the aircraft is the result of a project that sought from the beginning to increase our deterrent capabilities, as well as having the objective to foster research and industrial development in Brazil,” said Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, General Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior. “We now have a state-of-the-art multi-mission aircraft that will be the main asset for guaranteeing the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace.”
The new fighters will remain at the Gripen Flight Test Center until the aircraft obtain the Military Type Certificate, thereafter they will be transferred to Anápolis for the final stages of the delivery phase.
“Brazil actively participates in the development, flight test campaign and production of fighter jets, as part of the broad technology transfer package to the Brazilian defense industry,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Aeronautics at Saab. “The arrival of the two serial production aircraft is a result of this great collaboration.”
The two fighter jets are part of the 36 Gripen aircraft acquired by the Brazilian Air Force in 2014.
