First-Ever Saab Gripen E Fighter Jet to Be Built Outside Sweden Takes to the Sky for the First Time

Saab says the first Gripen E fighter jet built outside Sweden has taken off for the first time. The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility in São Paulo state, where Saab partnered with Embraer to shift production to Brazil. The program focuses on the single-seat “E” variant, with Saab reporting that the Brazilian-built jet flew last week to check basic systems and establish early performance before moving to final manufacturing. It marks the first time this type of aircraft has flown under its own power outside Sweden. Brazil will produce 15 Gripen E fighters as part of a larger order for 36 aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force, including two-seat F variants.