Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen (F-39E/F Brazil)
Type: fighter
Domain: air
Country of Origin: Sweden
Manufacturer: Saab
First Deployed: 2023
Overview
Brazilian variant of advanced Swedish Gripen E representing the most sophisticated fighter procurement in Latin American history with comprehensive technology transfer enabling domestic production and modernization capability. Brazil ordered 36 Gripen (28x single-seat F-39E, 8x two-seat F-39F) with contract signed 2014, first deliveries from 2021, achieving Initial Operating Capability 2022-2023. The programme includes unprecedented technology transfer with final assembly of all aircraft except first batch conducted at Embraer facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil — making Brazil the only nation outside Sweden producing Gripen. Features include advanced AESA radar with air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, comprehensive electronic warfare suite, supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburner), network-centric warfare integration with Link 16, modern glass cockpit, and confederation of sensors providing exceptional situational awareness. Armed with Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (150+ km range), IRIS-T short-range AAMs, precision-guided bombs, and potentially Brazilian-developed weapons. Maximum speed Mach 2 with combat radius exceeding 1,300 km. Brazilian Gripen equipped with MAR-1 anti-radiation missiles (Brazilian-developed) for suppression of enemy air defenses. The technology transfer enables Brazilian aerospace industry to modernize Gripen throughout service life and potentially develop indigenous variants. Operates from Anápolis Air Base with First Fighter Squadron. Represents transformation of Brazilian air power from legacy fighters to fourth-generation-plus capability.
Technical Specifications
| order | 36 aircraft for Brazil |
|---|---|
| weapons | 1x 27mm Mauser BK-27, 10 hardpoints, Meteor BVRAAM, IRIS-T, A-Darter, GBU-12/49, RBS 15F |
| avionics | PS-05/A Mk7 AESA radar, IRST, Arexis EW suite (GaN-based) |
| max_speed | Mach 2.0 (supercruise Mach 1.1) |
| combat_radius | 1,300 km |
| tech_transfer | Full technology transfer including source code access |
| service_ceiling | 16,000 m |
Operators
- Brazil
- Sweden
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Thailand
- South Africa
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