Brazil's defense move! The domestically produced fighter jet took to the skies for the first time.

Brazilians' defense industry has one more milestone behind it. The first Gripen E fighter, produced in a partnership between Saab and Embraer, made its maiden flight from the Gavião Peixoto facilities in São Paulo state on 6 October.

Taking off at 10:21 local time, the aircraft was flown by Saab's chief test pilot Jakob Högberg. During the flight, the aircraft's core systems and performance were checked, and technical data were collected for evaluation in subsequent test phases.

First Test Flight Completed Successfully

It was reported that the planned checks during the Gripen E's first flight were carried out successfully. Embraer engineers also took part in the preparation and execution phases of the flight.

The first flight represents a key step in the testing and acceptance process before the aircraft enters operational service. To deliver the aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force, the remaining tests must be completed and the necessary approvals obtained.

First Gripen Production Line Outside Sweden

The aircraft produced in Brazil stands out as the first example built in a facility outside Sweden in the Gripen program. The assembly line established at Embraer's Gavião Peixoto facilities carries the distinction of being Saab's only final assembly plant outside Sweden.

The aircraft unveiled on 25 March 2026 entered the record as the first of the 15 Gripen E planned for production in Brazil. The project also holds importance for Brazil's acquisition of technical knowledge and experience in fighter aircraft manufacturing.

Agreement Covering 36 Fighter Aircraft

Under the agreement signed between Brazil and Sweden in 2014, it was decided to supply 36 Gripen fighter aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force.

The agreement includes 28 single‑seat Gripen E and 8 twin‑seat Gripen F models. Under the program, Brazilian engineers and technicians work alongside Swedish teams on development, production, system integration, and testing.

It was noted that, since deliveries began in 2020, 10 fighter aircraft have been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force to date.

Gripen E will join the Brazilian Air Force

The aircraft, which has completed its first flight, is expected to pass the remaining acceptance tests and required flight airworthiness approvals; once the process is completed, the fighter jet will be sent to the Anápolis Air Base in the state of Goiás.

It is planned for the Gripen E to join the First Air Defense Group within the Brazilian Air Force.

Talks are ongoing for 20 new combat aircraft.

Brazil and Sweden are evaluating the procurement of an additional 20 Gripen fighter jets to expand the existing agreement of 36 aircraft.

Saab and Embraer have established a framework agreement to produce the additional aircraft in Brazil starting in July; however, the production process can only commence after the negotiations are finalized and the necessary contracts are signed.

If the plan is implemented, it is expected that Brazil's production role in the Gripen program will expand even further.