Brazil: First Gripen E built by Embraer makes its maiden flight

The first Gripen E fighter built in Brazil by Embraer has made its maiden flight from the company’s industrial complex at Gavião Peixoto, in the state of São Paulo, Saab and Embraer announced. According to Saab, the flight took place on October 6 at 10:21 local time. It was flown by a Saab test pilot, with Embraer playing a central role in its planning and execution. The aircraft’s main systems and flight characteristics were checked, and according to the two companies it behaved as expected.

It is the first of the 15 aircraft due to be built in Brazil under the current programme. Final assembly had been completed and the fighter was presented on March 25. The Gavião Peixoto plant is the only Gripen production line outside Sweden.

“The first flight of a Gripen E built in Brazil by Embraer is a historic milestone for the country’s aerospace and defense industry,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. Marcus Wandt, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, said the flight shows that Gripen production in Brazil has reached a new level of maturity.

After flight testing and acceptance, the aircraft will be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force, where it is designated F-39E, and transferred to Anápolis Air Force Base in Goiás state to join the First Air Defence Group.