Overview
- The first Brazilian‑assembled Gripen E, presented Wednesday at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, marked the start of local final assembly for the program.
- Saab and Embraer say this is the first Gripen built outside Sweden, with Brazil set to produce 15 of the 36 jets ordered in 2014, including 28 single‑seat E and eight twin‑seat F models.
- The production flow uses a split supply chain, with aerostructures made at Saab’s São Bernardo do Campo site and final assembly completed by Embraer in Gavião Peixoto.
- Before joining the First Air Defence Group at Anápolis, the aircraft will undergo functional checks and production flight tests, following February’s start of Gripen Quick Reaction Alert patrols from the base.
- Delivery counts differ slightly across reports, with most citing 10 jets in service and one outlet reporting 11 handed over to the Brazilian Air Force.