Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force have officially presented the first supersonic fighter aircraft produced in Brazil during a ceremony at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State. The milestone places Brazil among a select group of nations capable of producing advanced fighter aircraft.
The event was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the Ambassador of Sweden to Brazil Karin Wallensteen, the Minister of Defense José Múcio Monteiro Filho, the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, as well as executives from Embraer and Saab.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, stated, “We take great pride in supporting the Brazilian Air Force in this project and in developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions and contributing to the defense of our territorial sovereignty. The unveiling of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents yet another significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between Brazil and Sweden.”
Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, added, “The delivery of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents far more than the completion of an aircraft; it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long-term vision, and true cooperation. Saab remains fully committed to expanding and deepening our presence in Brazil, strengthening the country industrially and technologically, and as an export hub to the world.”
Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto site produces Gripen E fighters using a Brazilian and international supply chain. Another 14 aircraft under the current contract will follow this production model. The aircraft will undergo functional testing and production flight tests before joining ten other units already delivered to the First Defense Group at Anápolis Air Force Base. Gripen E is designed for multi-mission roles including air defense, reconnaissance, and strike, featuring modern avionics, sensors, and network-centric architecture.
Keywords: Embraer, Saab, Brazilian Air Force, Gripen E fighter, supersonic aircraft, fighter jet production, Brazil defense industry, air superiority, Gripen production Brazil, military aviation partnership
