The first Brazilian Gripen E, designated by Brazilian Air Force (FAB) as F-39 Gripen, concluded its first flight in Brazil on September 24, 2020.
The aircraft flew from the airport in Navegantes to Embraer´s facility in Gavião Peixoto, accompanied by the first Swedish Gripen E. The official reception of the aircraft by the FAB will take place on October 23, 2020, Aviator’s Day in Brazil.
“Gripen increases the operational capacity of the Brazilian Air Force and promotes a partnership that fosters research and industrial development in both countries,” the Brazilian Minister of Defence, Fernando Azevedo e Silva, declared.
Brazil signed an agreement with Saab in 2014 for the development and the production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force. The two-seat Gripen F is still under development.
RELEASE: The first Brazilian Gripen has flown in Brazil https://t.co/gusC5zpzsW pic.twitter.com/D9iFulAcVx
— Saab AB (@Saab) September 24, 2020