Brazil Eyes 20 More Saab Gripen Jets with Local Production

This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.

Brazil is actively looking to expand its air combat capabilities, expressing official interest in acquiring 20 additional Saab Gripen E and F fighter jets. According to reporting by Reuters, Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson confirmed the potential purchase on Thursday, June 4, 2026.

The announcement, made during a joint press conference in Stockholm with Brazilian Defence Minister José Múcio, marks a significant deepening of the defense partnership between the two nations. The two countries signed a declaration of intent to further integrate their aerospace industries and military supply chains.

This development builds upon a decade-long aerospace relationship and highlights a growing trend of reciprocal military trade, following Sweden’s recent decision to procure Brazilian-made transport aircraft.

“Brazil has expressed an interest in potentially buying 20 additional Gripen model E and F fighter jets,” stated Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson, according to Reuters.

Deepening the Swedish-Brazilian Defense Pact

Local Manufacturing and R&D

The potential acquisition goes beyond a simple transaction. Based on industry research reports, the new declaration of intent includes provisions for manufacturing the new batch of 20 jets within Brazil. Production is slated to take place at Embraer’s facilities in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo.

Furthermore, Saab and Brazil have agreed to establish a new research and development center. This facility will be dedicated to creating systems and equipment for the operation, maintenance, and future modernization of the Gripen fleet, cementing Brazil’s role in the aircraft’s long-term lifecycle.

A Reciprocal Trade Strategy

The timing of Brazil’s interest aligns with a broader, symbiotic trade strategy between the two countries. In October 2025, Sweden officially ordered four Embraer C-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft, with options for seven more, to modernize its tactical transport capabilities.

Industry analysts note that Brazil’s follow-up order for Swedish fighters is a continuation of this cross-continental alliance. It showcases a modern blueprint for bilateral defense procurement, moving away from traditional buyer-seller dynamics toward deep industrial integration.

Historical Context and Program Milestones

The Original 2014 Contract

Brazil’s journey with the Gripen platform began in 2014 when it signed a landmark $4.5 billion (approximately SEK 39.3 billion) contract with Saab for 36 aircraft. This original order comprised 28 single-seat E models and 8 two-seat F models. Saab secured the bid over formidable competitors, including the Dassault Rafale and the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

A critical component of that initial deal was a comprehensive technology transfer program. The agreement mandated that 15 of the original 36 jets be assembled in Brazil, fostering domestic aerospace expertise. While the 2014 procurement faced domestic legal scrutiny regarding corruption allegations, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was fully acquitted in 2021 due to a lack of evidence.

Recent Production Achievements

The Gripen program has seen significant milestones in recent months. In March 2026, Brazil unveiled the first Gripen E, locally designated as the F-39E, fully assembled on its own soil.

Shortly after, on June 2, 2026, Saab officially rolled out the first two-seat Gripen F tailored specifically for the Brazilian Air Force at its facility in Linköping, Sweden. The remainder of the original 36 jets are expected to be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force by 2027.

AirPro News analysis

We view this potential follow-on order as a massive endorsement of the Gripen platform’s operational viability and Saab’s technology transfer model. By establishing the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN) in São Paulo, Saab has effectively positioned Brazil as a strategic export hub for Latin America.

With neighboring nations such as Colombia and Peru currently evaluating future fighter procurements, a robust Brazilian manufacturing base could heavily influence regional defense acquisitions. The reciprocal nature of the C-390 and Gripen deals also sets a compelling precedent for middle-power nations seeking to bolster domestic industries while modernizing their militaries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How many Gripen jets is Brazil looking to buy?
  Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing 20 additional Gripen E and F fighter jets, which would add to its original 2014 order of 36 aircraft.
• Where will the new jets be manufactured?
  According to recent declarations of intent, the additional 20 aircraft are slated to be manufactured at Embraer’s facilities in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil.
• What is the reciprocal trade aspect of this deal?
  In late 2025, Sweden agreed to purchase four Brazilian-made Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. Brazil’s subsequent interest in more Swedish fighter jets highlights a highly symbiotic defense trade relationship.

Sources: Reuters