Brazil has unveiled the first supersonic fighter jet assembled within its borders, marking a milestone in the country’s aerospace and defense capabilities. The aircraft, a locally assembled version of the Saab Gripen, was presented as part of a long-term effort to modernize Brazil’s air force and expand domestic manufacturing capacity.
The development stems from a 2014 defense agreement between Brazil and Swedish manufacturer Saab, under which Brazil selected the Gripen over competing aircraft such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet and Dassault’s Dassault Rafale. The agreement includes technology transfer provisions and partial local production, with aircraft assembly taking place at Embraer facilities in São Paulo state, according to Reuters.
Under the terms of the deal, 15 of the 36 Gripen jets ordered by Brazil are to be assembled domestically at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant. The arrangement enables Brazilian engineers and technicians to gain hands-on experience in advanced fighter jet production, contributing to the country’s long-term industrial and defense capabilities.
The rollout positions Brazil as the first country in Latin America to assemble a supersonic fighter jet, placing it among a limited group of nations with similar capabilities. These include established aerospace powers such as the United States and France, as well as major developing economies like Russia, India, and China.
Saab has indicated that the Brazilian production line may also serve as a regional export hub. This prospect has gained momentum following a recent agreement for neighboring Colombia to acquire Gripen aircraft, potentially increasing demand for locally assembled units.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson noted that the project represents a historic step for the company, as it marks the first time since Saab’s founding in 1937 that a fighter aircraft is being manufactured outside Sweden. The collaboration reflects a broader trend of defense partnerships that combine procurement with industrial participation and technology sharing.
The program also aligns with Brazil’s broader ambitions in military aviation. Embraer has been expanding its presence in global defense markets, particularly with the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, which has attracted interest from several European countries.
By establishing local assembly capabilities for advanced fighter jets, Brazil is strengthening its position in the aerospace sector while reducing reliance on fully imported defense systems. The initiative is expected to support domestic industry development, workforce training, and potential export opportunities in the coming years.
