Saab has officially unveiled the first Gripen F fighter jet, the two-seat version of the F-39 Gripen intended for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), during a ceremony held in Linköping, Sweden.
According to information published by UK Defence Journal, the Gripen F is a two-seat variant of the Gripen E and was designed to expand training, operational conversion and complex mission capabilities. Despite the presence of a second crew member, the aircraft retains full combat capabilities, allowing the additional occupant to perform tasks such as sensor management, electronic warfare and mission coordination.
Brazil is the launch customer for the new version and took part directly in its development. The contract signed in 2014 provides for the acquisition of 36 Gripen aircraft by the FAB, including 28 units of the single-seat Gripen E version and eight of the two-seat Gripen F variant.
After its unveiling, the first Gripen F will begin a flight test campaign in Sweden before being delivered to the Brazilian Air Force. The aircraft is expected to play a key role in training new pilots and expanding the operational capabilities of the F-39 fleet.
“The launch of the Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, the Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.
The reveal comes just a few months after the presentation of the first Gripen E produced in Brazil, at Embraer’s factory in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, a milestone that consolidated the technology transfer programme between the two countries and placed Brazil among the select group of nations capable of producing advanced supersonic fighter jets.
Source and images: Saab. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
