A new variant in Saab’s Gripen family has stepped into the spotlight with the rollout of the first Gripen F, a twin-seat fighter built to handle both combat missions and advanced pilot training.
Jointly developed with Brazilian industry, the aircraft retains the same mission systems, sensors, and performance characteristics as the single-seat Gripen E while adding a second cockpit for instructors and trainee pilots.
The additional seat allows instructors to guide missions directly from inside the aircraft, giving pilots a more realistic operational training environment.
Saab said the configuration can help accelerate pilot readiness compared to traditional training approaches while also improving mission effectiveness through shared workload and mission management.
“The rollout of Gripen F represents […] the deep trust we have built together over many years. Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration,” said Lars Tossman, head of the business area aeronautics at Saab.
“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.”
The aircraft made its public debut at Saab’s facilities in Linköping, Sweden.
Path to Operational Service
Brazil is the first nation to acquire the Gripen F and played a direct role in shaping the aircraft through industrial participation during development.
The effort stems from a 2014 agreement between Brazil and Saab covering the production and development of 36 Gripen fighters, including 28 Gripen E and eight Gripen F variants.
Before entering operational service, the aircraft will undergo a dedicated flight-test campaign at Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden.
The Brazilian Air Force has received 11 Gripen fighters since deliveries began in 2020.
