Aircraft
Gripen E Fighter Makes Progress On Home Front and In Brazil
Two-seat Gripen F warplane prepares for its first flight
Saab Gripen E fighter
A pre-delivery Brazilian F-39E fighter leads a trio of Swedish test JAS 39Es during a mission from Linköping. © Saab

With Brazil’s first air force squadron already gaining initial operating experience and Sweden well advanced in its plans to introduce the type next year, the Saab JAS 39E/Gripen E fighter program is rapidly gaining momentum as it closes in on full-service entry. The two-seat Gripen F model also is nearing its first flight.

At the same time, the Swedish aircraft—and its Gripen C/D predecessor—remain the subject of considerable interest in the export market, despite having lost to Lockheed Martin's F-35 in several competitions. Saab is pursuing the sale of four more Gripen Cs to Hungary and remains in talks concerning the supply of a second squadron, possibly of Gripen Es. Thailand, too, has expressed interest in taking more Gripens. Other opportunities have arisen in Austria, Colombia, India, and the Philippines.