Brazil is the world pioneer to receive a 2-seater version; partnership extends deliveries until 2032
The Swedish manufacturer Saab presented this Tuesday (June 2, 2026) the 1st Gripen F, the 2-seater variant of the new generation of FAB (Brazilian Air Force) fighters. The unveiling ceremony was held at the company’s facilities in Linköping, Sweden, with the presence of Brazilian Defense Minister, José Mucio, and his Swedish counterpart, Pål Jonson.
Brazil is the global launch customer for Gripen F and played an active role in the co-development of the version. The fighter was designed based on specific FAB operational requirements, integrating a broad long-term technology transfer program that involved Embraer and the national companies AEL Sistemas and Akaer. The two-seater model did not even exist as a prototype.
BRAZIL-SWEDEN PARTNERSHIP
The engineering project involved 50% Swedish engineers and 50% professionals from Embraer and other Brazilian partners. In total, hundreds of technicians and engineers from Brazil underwent practical and theoretical training in Sweden, training the national defense industrial base in advanced aerospace development.
“The presentation of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the FAB, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years. The development of this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration”said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.
The presentation of the military jet coincides with the bicentenary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Sweden, which celebrate 200 years of bilateral cooperation. The Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro, highlighted that the fruitful strategic partnership expands technological autonomy and strengthens the country’s Defense Industrial Base (BID):
“For Brazil, the investments made in the Gripen program bring other gains, in addition to defense, such as technological improvement, the generation of highly qualified jobs and the expansion of economic opportunities. Therefore, in this context of the bicentenary of our diplomatic relations, nothing is more significant than having a materialized record of our integration, a physical milestone, represented here by the F-39F fighter, developed especially for Brazilian demand, with competence and quality, with technology and dynamism of this fruitful strategic partnership”, highlighted José Mucio.
The original agreement estimates that 15 of the 36 aircraft acquired will undergo final assembly at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto (SP), making Brazil the only country to produce the fighter outside of Sweden. However, the manufacturing of the 8 units of the F model will be concentrated in the Nordic country for reasons of cost and logistical efficiency given the smaller volume ordered.
FIGHTER TECHNICAL DETAILS
The engineering to accommodate the 2nd seat required a profound redesign of the aircraft’s structure, wiring, computers and piping:
- dimensions and speed: The plane was stretched by 66 cm, reaching 15.9 m in length, maintaining the wingspan of 8.6 m. The maximum speed reaches 2,470 km/h (2 times the speed of sound);
- space compensation: To accommodate the double cabin and duplicate ejection seats, the Gripen F lost the internal 27 mm cannon and had its fuel tank reduced, shrinking its combat radius by around 10%;
- firepower: The jet maintains high-level sensors and has 10 external points for attaching weapons and integrated systems.
The platform combines operational conversion training and real combat capability in the same aircraft. The second cockpit is entirely independent. This allows missions to be guided by instructors in high-intensity combat conditions that ground simulators cannot perfectly replicate. At FAB, the second crew member will also manage complex tactical missions supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future control of partner combat drones (loyal wingman).
SCHEDULE, LOGISTICS AND TESTS
The purchase contract, signed in 2014 during PT’s administration, initially valued at US$4 billion, was renegotiated by Brazilian authorities and extended to end in 2032.
Before final delivery and operational flight in Brazil, the first Gripen F will undergo a detailed testing campaign at the Saab Flight Test Center (Flight Test Centre), in Sweden. Once this validation is completed, the aircraft will be transported by ship to the port of Navegantes (SC).
From the port terminal, the jet will travel by land to the Santa Catarina city airport for new mechanical and electronic tests conducted by Saab teams before its inaugural takeoff in Brazilian territory. The fleet’s final destination will be the Anápolis Air Base (GO).
At the same time, the governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate the creation of a Saab industrial research and development center in São José dos Campos (SP), focused on artificial intelligence and long-term logistical support. In addition to Brazil, Colombia (17 units ordered) and Thailand (4 jets agreed) also selected the two-seat version of the Swedish fighter in their defense modernization plans.
