Whereas Saab produced a two-seat Gripen B as the training version of the original JAS 39A and a Gripen D twin-seat version of the Gripen C, it did not originally intend to produce a training version of the new-generation Gripen E. The Swedish order for the new type was therefore for 60 single-seaters.

The two-seat Gripen F variant was developed to meet a Brazilian requirement, since Brazil’s 2014 36-aircraft contract with Saab included eight two-seat Gripen Fs. Saab began manufacturing the first of these eight Gripen Fs in 2020 and the type was developed in partnership with Brazilian industry.

As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co-development of the two-seat Gripen-F variant, including extensive technology transfer, direct industrial participation and long-term co-operation. This has seen Brazil broadening its industrial base, strengthening its advanced design and development expertise, and training hundreds of engineers and technicians.

The remaining production two-seat Gripen F aircraft were once expected to be built on a dedicated production line for the variant in Brazil, but Saab subsequently decided to build all eight Gripen Fs on order at Linköping to optimise production efficiency. The rollout of the first two-seat Gripen F came a little later than original timelines expected, after production of single-seaters was accorded a higher priority.

Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, stated, “The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years. Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration. It represents not only a highly capable fighter for the Brazilian Air Force, but also the tangible outcome of sustained joint development and shared ambition.”

Sweden’s defence minister, Pål Jonson, added, “Gripen is more than a world-class fighter aircraft. Today’s roll-out of Brazil’s first Gripen F marks an important milestone for Swedish-Brazilian defence co-operation. It shows how advanced technology, joint development and industrial trust can build capability over time. The Gripen programme is a strategic partnership between Sweden and Brazil. Thank you to Minister Múcio, General Damasceno, Saab and all engineers, technicians and personnel who made this possible. We look forward to deepening our co-operation even further.”

Before delivery to the Brazilian Air Force the aircraft will be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre, where it will start a dedicated flight test campaign.

Deliveries of the Gripen E began in 2020, with Saab noting that 11 aircraft have been handed over to date.

Saab has announced that it has also received Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia, while there have been unconfirmed reports that Sweden may now be looking at buying the Gripen F. Jonson told a Swedish TV station, “I know that the air force is looking at it, not least now with opportunities created through Ukraine.”

The Gripen F delivers the same world-class performance, sensors and revolutionary architecture as the Gripen E, with an additional fully independent second cockpit giving trainee pilots the opportunity to experience realistic live mission conditions and allowing instructor-guided missions to be flown in a fully operational fighter.

The two-seater also enjoys greater operational effectiveness in high-threat environments through shared workload and improved mission command capabilities.