Saab Gripen F completes first flight for Brazilian Air Force

Saab has successfully completed the maiden flight of the Gripen F, a two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter aircraft. The inaugural 40-minute flight took place at Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, conducted by Saab Chief Test Pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos.

The flight served to verify the functionality of the aircraft’s core systems and initial performance. The program will now enter an airborne testing phase to progressively validate the aircraft’s full performance envelope, including maximum speed, altitude, G-loads, and angle of attack. Testing will also focus on tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions unique to the two-seat configuration.

Developed in collaboration with Brazilian industry, the Gripen F is intended for the Brazilian Air Force. This variant features an increased wing area, an extended fuselage, a General Electric F414 engine, and a new active phased array radar system. The two-seat design is specifically intended to enhance pilot training and mission efficiency, including the capability to control unmanned combat aerial vehicles.