The unveiling marks a milestone in Brazil's defense industry, showcasing the country's capability to produce advanced combat aircraft locally. According to official sources, Saab received a contract in 2014 to deliver 36 Gripen aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force, comprising 28 Gripen E and eight two-seat Gripen F variants. Of these, 15 aircraft are to be built by Embraer under the agreement.
The ceremony was officially presented by Saab, Embraer, and the Brazilian Air Force, according to major media reports, with Sweden's ambassador to Brazil, Karin Wallensten, also participating. Saab CEO and President Micael Johansson expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that the company is extremely proud of what has been achieved side by side with Brazilian partners. The exact date of the ceremony has not been disclosed, and details on the delivery timeline for the remaining aircraft remain unclear.
Additionally, it is unknown whether the Brazilian-manufactured Gripen E includes any unique technical modifications or what the total cost of the 2014 contract was. The planned operational roles and deployment schedules for these aircraft in the Brazilian Air Force have also not been specified.