Saab Unveils First Gripen F in Milestone for Brazilian Partnership

On June 2, 2026, Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab officially unveiled the first Gripen F, the highly anticipated two-seat variant of its latest-generation Gripen E combat aircraft. The rollout ceremony, held at Saab’s headquarters in Linköping, Sweden, marks a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing defense partnership with Brazil, which serves as the launch customer and co-developer of the platform.

According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile international attendees, including Brazilian Defense Minister José Múcio, Brazilian Air Force Commander Lt. Brig. Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson, and Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson. Following the rollout, the aircraft will transition to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden to commence a dedicated flight test campaign prior to its final Delivery to the Brazilian Air-Forces (FAB).

Aircraft Profile and Capabilities

Design and Shared Workload

Designated as the F-39F in Brazilian service, the Gripen F distinguishes itself from traditional training aircraft by functioning as a fully operational combat fighter. Saab notes that the aircraft retains the world-class performance, advanced sensors, and revolutionary architecture of the single-seat Gripen E.

The addition of a fully independent second cockpit allows for instructor-guided missions in realistic live-threat conditions, which is expected to dramatically accelerate pilot conversion training. Furthermore, the second crew member can manage mission support, electronic warfare (EW), or complex combat scenarios, enhancing the aircraft’s effectiveness in high-threat environments.

Technical Specifications

Based on provided specifications, the Gripen F is powered by the General Electric F414 engine, enabling supersonic speeds of up to Mach 2. The fighter is equipped with an advanced Raven ES-05 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar-Systems and an InfraRed Search and Track System (IRST). It also features 10 hardpoints capable of carrying a diverse mix of air-to-air munitions, such as the Meteor and IRIS-T, alongside various air-to-ground weaponry.

The Brazil-Sweden Strategic Partnership

Historical Context and Tech Transfer

The development of the Gripen F stems from a historic 2014 defense contract between Sweden and Brazil. Valued at SEK 39.3 billion, the agreement covered the development and production of 36 Gripen aircraft, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E and 8 two-seat Gripen F variants. Deliveries of the Gripen E commenced in 2020, with 11 aircraft handed over to date.

Brazil’s role extends beyond procurement to active co-development. The Gripen F was engineered with direct industrial participation from Brazilian firms, most notably Embraer. This extensive technology transfer program has trained hundreds of Brazilian engineers and technicians in Sweden, significantly bolstering Brazil’s national aerospace industrial base and technological sovereignty.

While the single-seat Gripen E is undergoing partial assembly at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, production of the two-seat Gripen F remains centralized at Saab’s main facility in Linköping, Sweden.

“The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force,” stated Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, in the company’s press release.

Expanding Global Market Presence

Recent International Orders

Saab has successfully secured additional international Orders for the Gripen F, bucking the modern trend where two-seat fighter variants have become increasingly uncommon in combat aviation.

In November 2025, Colombia signed a €3.1 billion contract for 17 Gripen aircraft to replace its aging Kfir fleet. This order includes 15 Gripen E and 2 Gripen F jets, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2032. Additionally, Thailand placed an order for four Gripen E/F aircraft in August 2025, expanding the platform’s footprint in Asia.

More recently, in May 2026, Sweden announced that Ukraine agreed to order up to 20 Gripen E/F fighters, funded by the EU’s Ukraine Support Loan, alongside a donation of older Gripen C/D models.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that the Gripen F challenges the prevailing modern trend of single-seat-only fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35. By offering a fully combat-capable two-seater, Saab is effectively catering to air forces that prioritize shared crew workloads for complex electronic warfare and strike missions, rather than relegating the second seat exclusively to training purposes.

Furthermore, the Brazil-Sweden partnership serves as a compelling blueprint for defense technology transfer. It demonstrates how middle-power nations can collaborate to reduce reliance on traditional aerospace superpowers, ultimately transforming regional partners like Brazil into capable aerospace hubs. The recent surge in global sales to Colombia, Thailand, and Ukraine underscores Saab’s growing export momentum and its ability to deliver on complex, co-developed defense programs on schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Gripen F?

The Gripen F is a two-seat, fully operational combat variant of Saab’s Gripen E fighter jet. It is designed for both advanced pilot training and complex combat missions, featuring a fully independent second cockpit.

How many Gripen F jets did Brazil order?

Under a 2014 contract, Brazil ordered 8 two-seat Gripen F variants alongside 28 single-seat Gripen E jets, for a total of 36 aircraft.

Where is the Gripen F manufactured?

The two-seat Gripen F is produced at Saab’s main facility in Linköping, Sweden. In contrast, the single-seat Gripen E is being partially assembled at Embraer’s facility in Brazil.

Sources: Saab

This article is based on an official press release and company statements from Airbus.

The Airbus NH90 Secures a New Lease on Life Through the 2080s

The NH90, a medium-sized, twin-engine multi-role military Helicopters, has reached a critical maturity milestone. According to an official Airbus publication, the global fleet has officially surpassed 500,000 flight hours, with over 530 aircraft currently in service. Produced by NHIndustries, a joint venture comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and GKN Aerospace/Fokker, the aircraft is undergoing a major strategic revitalization aimed at extending its operational relevance well into the late 21st century.

Historically, the NH90 program faced public scrutiny over maintenance bottlenecks and low operational readiness, which led to early fleet retirements by nations such as Norway in 2022 and Australia in 2023. However, recent company statements and program updates indicate a decisive pivot. Spearheaded by Axel Aloccio, NH90 Programme Director at Airbus Helicopters and President of NHIndustries, the consortium is now prioritizing fleet availability through innovative logistics Contracts and comprehensive upgrade programs.

By shifting focus from initial production to long-term sustainment, Airbus and its partners aim to extend the helicopter’s service life from 30 to 50 years. This extension ensures that the first fully fly-by-wire production helicopter will remain a cornerstone of European and allied defense strategies for decades to come.

Overcoming Past Challenges with New Logistics

To combat the availability issues that previously plagued the platform, NHIndustries has implemented robust new support structures managed through the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA). According to Airbus, these initiatives are already yielding measurable improvements in fleet readiness.

The NH90 Operational Support Contract

A central pillar of this turnaround is the NH90 Operational Support (NOS) contract, which has been adopted by France, Germany, and Belgium. This framework offers fully integrated management of logistics flows and establishes strict commitments regarding parts availability. Furthermore, NHIndustries introduced a Standard Exchange Service approximately 18 months ago. This service allows operators to immediately swap critical components for new or refurbished parts, drastically reducing aircraft downtime.

These supply chain overhauls are producing tangible results. According to Airbus, the volume of delivered critical parts has doubled in recent years, directly addressing the pain points of frontline operators.

“With the industrial system and technical configurations now mature, our work today is focused more on supporting helicopters in service to provide our customers with more flight hours and better availability. This represents a major shift in mindset and demonstrates the commitment of NH Industries and the NH90 nations to work on innovative solutions to improve the programme’s logistical performance.”

Future-Proofing the Fleet: Block 1 and Block 2 Upgrades

Beyond immediate logistical improvements, NHIndustries is actively future-proofing the NH90 to ensure it can meet the demands of the modern battlespace. This is being executed through two distinct upgrade phases: Block 1 and Block 2.

Block 1: Enhancing Current Capabilities

Launched in June 2024 under a €600 million contract, the Block 1 upgrade (also known as Software Release 3) focuses on the medium-term evolution of the aircraft. According to program details, this phase includes significant upgrades to the communication suite, the integration of Data Link 22 for beyond-line-of-sight interoperability without satellite communications, and IFF Mod 5 Level 2 tracking.

The Block 1 upgrade also expands the aircraft’s lethality by integrating new weaponry, such as the MK 54 torpedo and the Marte ER anti-ship missile. Qualification for these upgrades is expected to begin in 2028, with retrofit activities planned for more than 200 existing NH90s. This block is considered crucial for achieving the targeted 50-year operational lifespan.

Block 2: Looking Toward the 2040s and Beyond

Looking further ahead, NAHEMA signed a two-year, €15 million architecture study contract with NHIndustries in April 2026 to define the long-term future of the platform. The Block 2 study focuses on developing a modular and scalable Avionics suite, designing a simplified maintenance plan to lower life-cycle costs, and introducing advanced mission capabilities.

Most notably, Block 2 will explore crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUC-T), allowing NH90 crews to collaborate with or control Drones in combat scenarios.

“We have just signed an architecture study contract with NAHEMA, which aims to offer our customers different scenarios and options for long-term improvements… All of this is intended to ensure the aircraft reaches the 2080s in peak condition. Block 2 is not an open bar, it’s not an all-you-can-eat buffet… in order to make Block 2 successful it has to remain affordable and manageable.”

Renewed Commercial Momentum in Europe

The combination of improved logistics and a clear modernization roadmap has spurred a resurgence in sovereign commitments to the NH90 program over the past two years. According to industry data, several key NATO allies have doubled down on the platform.

In 2025, Spain placed a landmark Orders for 31 NH90s across its armed forces. Because of the newly established service life extension, these aircraft, scheduled for delivery after 2030, are projected to fly into the 2080s. Meanwhile, Germany took delivery of its first NH90 “Sea Tiger” variant in December 2025. Once all deliveries are completed by 2030, Germany will become the largest NH90 operator globally, fielding nearly 50 aircraft.

Additionally, Greece signed a €50 million follow-on support contract in December 2025 to establish a robust support ecosystem, and the Netherlands recently expanded its fleet with three additional aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

We view the recent developments surrounding the NH90 as a textbook “redemption” narrative within the aerospace defense sector. The program’s historical struggles with supply chain bottlenecks and high-profile contract cancellations cast a long shadow over NHIndustries. However, the strategic pivot toward rapid parts exchange and simplified maintenance appears to be successfully stabilizing the fleet.

The extension of the aircraft’s service life to 50 years is a massive commercial and strategic selling point. By ensuring that aircraft ordered today will remain viable into the 2080s, Airbus is positioning the NH90 as a multi-generational asset. Furthermore, the Block 2 focus on crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUC-T) highlights a necessary adaptation to the changing nature of aerial combat. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, the continued investment by NATO nations in a jointly developed European platform underscores a strong, unified commitment to sovereign European defense capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the NH90?
The NH90 is a medium-sized, twin-engine multi-role military helicopter produced by NHIndustries. It comes in two primary variants: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) for land operations and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) for naval operations.

Who manufactures the NH90?
It is manufactured by NHIndustries, a joint venture consisting of Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and GKN Aerospace/Fokker (5.5%).

What is the Block 1 upgrade?
Launched in June 2024, the €600 million Block 1 upgrade includes enhancements to the communication suite, Data Link 22 integration, and the addition of new weaponry like the MK 54 torpedo. It is designed to help extend the aircraft’s service life to 50 years.

How long will the NH90 remain in service?
With the implementation of Block 1 and the upcoming Block 2 upgrades, NHIndustries aims to keep the NH90 operational and relevant on the battlefield into the 2080s.

Sources

• Airbus Newsroom

This article is based on an official press release from Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman Integrates AR, VR, and AI to Overhaul E-2D Hawkeye Maintenance

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye serves as a critical node in the United States military’s airborne early warning and command-and-control network. Equipped with an advanced 360-degree radar, the carrier-based aircraft provides essential surveillance, tracking, and situational awareness for joint and coalition missions over land and sea. However, as the most heavily tasked aircraft in the U.S. military inventory, according to Northrop Grumman, minimizing unscheduled downtime is a top priority for defense aviation.

To address this maintenance challenge, Northrop Grumman has announced a comprehensive suite of advanced digital tools designed to modernize the sustainment and Training for the E-2D platform. By leveraging Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), AI, and Machine Learning (ML), the aerospace company aims to significantly reduce aircraft downtime and improve technician performance.

In a recent press release, the company detailed how these technologies are already yielding dramatic time savings and operational efficiencies, marking a significant shift toward proactive, tech-enabled fleet management for some of the military’s most vital assets.

The Digital Sustainment Ecosystem

Northrop Grumman’s digital sustainment initiative for the E-2D centers around three primary technological ecosystems, each targeting a specific phase of aircraft maintenance, troubleshooting, and technician training.

Armor: Augmented Reality and Predictive Analytics

Developed by Northrop Grumman’s model-based sustainment team, the “Armor” system is an AR-enabled maintenance tool that integrates predictive analytics with fleet performance data. According to the company’s announcements, Armor provides maintainers with animated, step-by-step repair instructions that can be accessed directly on the flight line via tablets or AR goggles.

A standout feature of the Armor system is its “X-Ray” vision capability. This allows technicians to virtually inspect the internal systems of the aircraft, helping them identify potential trouble spots and maintenance needs before any physical intervention or disassembly is required. To date, Northrop Grumman reports having successfully deployed over 1,000 AR solutions across its various defense programs to support visual work instructions and facility layout planning.

“Armor can reduce training and labor time, keeping the aircraft operational in hours instead of weeks.”

Virtual Reality Training Environments

In addition to AR tools used during active maintenance, VR technology is being utilized to immerse maintenance crews in interactive, 360-degree digital simulations. This allows technicians to practice complex repair procedures on hard-to-access or highly expensive components without requiring a physical aircraft or the logistical burden of transporting hardware to multiple training locations.

The impact on efficiency is notable. Based on initial data released by Northrop Grumman as of May 2026, VR-based training improves task performance and has been shown to cut repair times by up to 75%. Furthermore, the company notes that trainees report significantly higher confidence levels when transitioning from these virtual scenarios to real-world repairs.

LITE: Learning Intelligence Tools Ecosystem

The third pillar of this digital push is LITE, a machine learning platform developed jointly by Northrop Grumman’s E-2D engineering team in Melbourne, Florida, and its data analytics team in Redondo Beach, California. LITE analyzes vast amounts of maintenance data to help technicians quickly identify the root causes of system issues, allowing for more efficient troubleshooting.

According to the company’s performance metrics, the LITE system has already demonstrated substantial value. In one specific application, the machine learning tool reduced maintenance rework in the E-2D’s radar pressurization and cooling system by 67%, a reduction that eliminated weeks of testing time.

Broader Implications for Military Aviation

The digital sustainment tools pioneered for the E-2D Hawkeye are not isolated to this single aircraft. Northrop Grumman is actively applying these AR, VR, and AI enhancements to other critical platforms in the U.S. military arsenal. The company has indicated that these technologies are currently being adapted for use on the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

This cross-platform integration suggests that the efficiencies gained on the E-2D will soon scale across broader segments of the military’s aviation fleet, potentially saving thousands of labor hours and significantly boosting overall mission readiness.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that this development highlights a broader, industry-wide trend in the defense sector toward “model-based sustainment” and predictive maintenance. Historically, Military-Aircraft maintenance has relied heavily on reactive repairs, fixing components as they break or adhering to rigid, calendar-based overhaul schedules.

By combining historical maintenance data, aircraft usage patterns, and immersive visual guidance, military contractors are moving toward a proactive model. The integration of AI and ML allows for the anticipation of component failures before they occur, while AR and VR ensure that when repairs are necessary, technicians are guided by the most intuitive and efficient tools available. We anticipate that as these technologies mature, the baseline standard for military aircraft sustainment Contracts will increasingly mandate the inclusion of digital twin and AR/VR training ecosystems to keep long-term operational costs in check.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye?

The E-2D Advanced Hawkeye is a carrier-based airborne early warning and command-and-control aircraft used by the U.S. military. It features an advanced 360-degree Radar-Systems to provide surveillance, tracking, and situational awareness for joint and coalition missions.

How much time does VR training save in aircraft maintenance?

According to initial data from Northrop Grumman, utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) training environments can improve task performance and reduce repair times by up to 75%.

What other aircraft are benefiting from this technology?

Northrop Grumman is actively adapting the AR, VR, and AI technologies developed for the E-2D Hawkeye for other major military platforms, including the F-35 Lightning II and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

Sources:
Northrop Grumman Press Release