Embraer Unveils First Saab F-39E Gripen Assembled in Brazil
3 hours ago
- #Embraer
- #Saab Gripen
- #Latin America Defense
- Embraer presented the first Saab F-39E Gripen assembled in Brazil on March 25, marking the first supersonic aircraft manufactured in Latin America.
- The first Brazilian-made Gripen, unit 4109, is part of 15 F-39Es to be assembled at Embraer’s facility in Gaviao Peixoto, Sao Paulo.
- Saab previously delivered 11 F-39Es from Sweden, with plans to produce two more F-39Es and eight F-39Fs for Brazil.
- Brazil selected the F-39E/F in December 2013, marking Saab’s largest fighter export deal, replacing retired Dassault Mirage 2000s.
- Budget cuts and program setbacks delayed deliveries of all 36 fighters by several years.
- The assembly facility in Brazil provides Saab a regional option for additional orders, including Colombia’s 17 F-39E/Fs.
- Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro linked the Gripen order to a strategic alliance with Brazil focused on combating drug traffickers and protecting the Amazon.
- Peru is considering the F-39 alongside the F-16 and Rafale for new fighter orders.