Saab Gripen F completes its first successful test flight

Saab has successfully completed the maiden flight of the Gripen F, a two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter jet. The aircraft took off from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and remained airborne for approximately 40 minutes.

The inaugural flight was conducted by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Lieutenant Colonel Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos of the Brazilian Air Force. The ongoing testing phase will progressively evaluate flight parameters, including speed, altitude, G-load, and angle of attack, while also validating tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions.

The Gripen F is a product of a partnership between Sweden and Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force has ordered eight of these aircraft. The development involved significant industrial cooperation, with Brazilian companies such as Embraer AEL and Akaer participating in the project. Beyond Brazil, Colombia and Thailand have also placed orders for the Gripen F variant.