Embraer and Saab complete maiden flight of first Brazil-built Gripen E

Embraer and Saab have successfully completed the maiden flight of the first Gripen E fighter aircraft manufactured in Brazil. The aircraft, identified as FAB 4109, took off from Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, on October 6. The flight was piloted by Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and was designed to verify basic system functions and evaluate initial flight performance.

This milestone marks the first time a Gripen fighter has been built outside of Sweden. The production in Brazil is part of a long-term strategic agreement between the Brazilian Air Force, Saab, and Embraer focused on technology transfer and the development of national aerospace capabilities. The Gavião Peixoto facility is currently the only production line for the Gripen outside of Sweden.

The aircraft is the first of 15 jets scheduled for local production under the current program. The broader contract, originally signed in 2014, involves the delivery of 36 aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force. Following the completion of the production acceptance flight campaign, the aircraft will be certified and delivered to the military.