The first Gripen E fighter aircraft manufactured in Brazil was officially unveiled on March 25, 2026, during a ceremony at Embraer's industrial complex in São Paulo state. According to reports, Brazilian President Lula da Silva attended the event alongside Sweden's ambassador to Brazil, Karin Wallensten. The ceremony marked the presentation of the first Jas 39 Gripen E combat aircraft produced in Brazil through a partnership between Swedish aerospace company Saab, Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, and the Brazilian Air Force.
' The event follows a 2014 contract where Saab agreed to deliver 36 Gripen aircraft to the Brazilian Air Force, comprising 28 Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants. According to the agreement, 15 of these aircraft are to be built by Embraer in Brazil as part of the technology transfer and industrial cooperation program.
We are extremely proud of what we have achieved side by side with our Brazilian partners.
The rollout of the first Brazilian-made Gripen represents 'another important milestone in the strategic cooperation between Brazil and Sweden.'