Saab Gripen E, the First Brazilian-Built Supersonic Fighter, Flies | Aviation International News

First Brazilian-Built Supersonic Fighter Flies

Locally-assembled Saab Gripen E will operate from Anápolis Air Force Base

Gripen E landing on runway — Saab Aeronautics chief test pilot Jakob Höberg was at the controls for the inaugural flight of the first Brazilian-built Gripen E, registered as 4109.

By Charlotte Bailey • News Reporter

October 12, 2026

Brazil has logged the first flight of a domestically-assembled supersonic fighter jet, a milestone for the South American nation. The single-seat Saab Gripen E, which flew on October 6, was produced by Embraer at its final assembly site in Gãviato Peixoto, São Paulo, which is set to build at least 14 more units for Brazil, with potential to support other customers worldwide.

Embraer’s Gripen production facility opened in May 2023, becoming the second assembly location worldwide and complementing Saab’s existing line in Linköping, Sweden. São Paulo’s first completed aircraft was rolled out from the line in March 2026. According to Marcus Wandt, head of Saab Aeronautics, the first flight “shows that Gripen production in Brazil has reached a new level of maturity” while establishing “a solid foundation for Gripen’s future development in Brazil.”

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