Brazil has reached a historic milestone in its aerospace history with the official unveiling of the first supersonic fighter jet ever assembled on its soil. The aircraft, a Gripen E (locally designated as the F-39E), was presented during a high-profile ceremony at Embraer’s facility in Gavião Peixoto, marking a major leap forward for the nation’s defense industry.
The event, attended by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and military leadership, highlights Brazil’s transition from an importer of advanced military technology to a manufacturer capable of complex aerospace integration.
Key highlights of this achievement include:
- A “Latin American First”: With this rollout, Brazil becomes the first country in Latin America to produce a supersonic fighter jet. This achievement places the nation among a select group of global powers—including the U.S., France, China, and India—with the industrial capacity to build high-performance combat aircraft.
- The Saab-Embraer Partnership: The jet is the result of a multi-billion dollar agreement signed in 2014 with the Swedish defense group Saab. The deal includes a comprehensive technology transfer program, allowing Brazilian engineers and technicians from Embraer to master the intricate systems of the 4.5-generation fighter.
- Local Production Goals: Of the 36 Gripen jets originally ordered, 15 are slated to be manufactured at Embraer’s São Paulo plant. This first locally built unit will now undergo rigorous functional and flight testing before being formally delivered to the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
- Strategic Sovereignty: President Lula emphasized that the project is not just about military hardware, but about “technological sovereignty.” The program has reportedly created thousands of highly skilled jobs and integrated Brazilian suppliers into the global aerospace supply chain.
- Export Potential: Saab officials have indicated that the Brazilian production line is intended to serve as a regional export hub. Neighboring countries, such as Colombia, have already shown interest in acquiring the Gripen, potentially making Brazil a primary supplier of advanced air defense in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Gripen E is celebrated for its multi-role capabilities, featuring advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and a networked architecture that allows it to communicate seamlessly with other military units in real-time. This rollout is seen as the centerpiece of Brazil’s broader effort to modernize its military and stimulate its high-tech industrial sector.