Gripen: Brazil unveils its first locally manufactured supersonic fighter jet

26th March 2026

1 minute read

Gripen: Brazil unveils its first locally manufactured supersonic fighter jet

Brazil has unveiled its first locally manufactured supersonic fighter jet as part of its efforts to establish itself as an advanced military player in Latin America.

The aircraft, the F-39E Gripen, was presented at Embraer – Gavião Peixoto in the state of São Paulo, in the presence of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as part of a cooperation program with the Swedish company Saab focused on technology transfer and the localization of the defense industry.

The Brazilian presidency described the project as “unprecedented in Latin America,” highlighting the country’s transition from being an arms importer to an industrial partner capable of locally producing advanced fighter jets.

This development is part of a contract covering 36 aircraft, 15 of which will be manufactured in Brazil by Embraer, strengthening the capabilities of the national aerospace industry and expanding the country’s technical and military expertise base.

Defense Minister José Múcio Monteiro stated that the project enhances deterrence capabilities and improves the readiness of the armed forces to protect national sovereignty amid an international environment marked by rising tensions and instability.

The choice of the Swedish aircraft carries political and industrial significance, as Brasília preferred the Gripen over competing fighters from France and the United States, reflecting a move toward diversifying defense partnerships and avoiding reliance on a single source.

This project comes amid Brazilian concerns over the repercussions of international crises, including tensions in the Middle East and developments in Latin America, prompting the country to build more autonomous defense capabilities.