Saab Unveils First Gripen F Two-Seat Fighter in Brazil Partnership

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