In a major milestone for global defense aviation, the first Gripen fighter aircraft manufactured outside Sweden has successfully completed its maiden flight. Taking off from Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto aerodrome in São Paulo State on 06 October at 1021H local time, the supersonic jet achieved a historic breakthrough for South American aerospace manufacturing. With Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg at the controls, the flight was aimed at evaluating initial performance characteristics while thoroughly verifying the fighter’s core system functions.
This initial flight marked the jet’s official production acceptance test, effectively launching the final phase of Embraer’s manufacturing pipeline. The flight planning and execution duties were managed directly by Embraer flight engineers, who worked in close collaboration with supporting personnel from Saab. This operational setup highlights the seamless transfer of technology established under the comprehensive Gripen procurement agreement between Sweden and Brazil.
Key leadership figures from both aviation giants emphasized the deep strategic importance of the successful flight event. Marcus Wandt, head of Saab´s business area Aeronautics, highlighted the operational progression, noting, “This maiden flight shows that Gripen production in Brazil has reached a new level of maturity. I am proud of our close cooperation with Embraer in the Gripen programme, which establish a solid foundation for Gripen´s future development in Brazil.”
The flight also validates Brazil’s ambitious investment in developing domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the broader national impact of the achievement, stating, “This first flight of a Gripen E produced in Brazil by Embraer is a historic milestone for the country’s aerospace and defense industry. It confirms the success of a long-term strategy that combined the vision of the Brazilian Air Force, Saab’s technological expertise and Embraer’s engineering and industrial capabilities.”
With its initial production acceptance flight campaign now underway, the supersonic aircraft will proceed through final testing and official certification before entering operational service with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Upon formal delivery, the fighter is scheduled to transfer directly to Anápolis Air Force Base in Goiás State. There, it will join the First Air Defence Group (1st GDA), an active defense unit currently operating 10 Gripen fighters.
The aircraft, which was officially presented on 25 March 2026 by Embraer, represents the very first unit out of 15 planned for domestic assembly under the current contract. By establishing South America’s sole operational supersonic fighter manufacturing line, Embraer has positioned itself as an essential partner within Saab’s global supply network and manufacturing ecosystem.