Saab unveils first Gripen F aircraft

Saab has unveiled the first completed Gripen F aircraft in Linköping. The aircraft was presented during a ceremony at the company’s facility on 2 June.

Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E and has been developed to meet the requirements of modern air forces for both pilot training and operational capability. By combining conversion training and operational capacity within the same platform, the aircraft is intended to enable faster pilot conversion and more realistic training.

Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F and has played an active role in its development. The collaboration has included a major technology transfer programme under which hundreds of Brazilian engineers and technicians have been trained, while also strengthening the country’s industrial capabilities in advanced design and development.

- The rollout of the Gripen F is a joint achievement by Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, and reflects the deep trust we have built together over many years, said Lars Tossman, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

According to Saab, the Gripen F shares the same performance characteristics, sensor systems and architecture as the Gripen E. The key difference is the fully independent rear cockpit, which enables instructor-led missions to be conducted in a fully operational combat aircraft.

This allows pilots to train in conditions closely resembling real-world operations. At the same time, two crew members can share the workload during complex missions, which Saab says enhances mission management and operational effectiveness in high-risk environments.

Before final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force, the aircraft will be transferred to Saab’s flight test division in Sweden, where it will undergo a dedicated flight test campaign.

Saab’s 2014 contract with the Brazilian government covers the development and production of 36 Gripen aircraft in total: 28 Gripen E and eight Gripen F aircraft. Deliveries began in 2020, and 11 aircraft have been handed over to date.

Saab has also received orders for the Gripen F from Thailand and Colombia. At the same time, Defence Minister Pål Jonson has indicated that the Gripen F could also be considered for Swedish service.

- I know that the Air Force is looking at it, not least in light of the fact that we will need enhanced training capacity, Pål Jonson said in an interview with Dagens Industri.

This article was first published by Defence Nordic's affiliate publication metal-supply.se.