The first two serial production Gripen E fighters, called F-39 Gripen by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), are in Brazil. The aircrafts arrived in the country, at the port of Navegantes, and completed their first flight in the country. The two aircraft flew from Navegantes International Airport to the Gripen Flight Test Center at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto.
«The arrival of the aircraft is the result of a project that sought from the beginning to increase our deterrent capabilities, as well as having the objective to foster research and industrial development in Brazil. We now have a state-of-the-art multi-mission aircraft that will be the main asset for guaranteeing the sovereignty of Brazilian airspace,” highlighted the Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, General Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior
The flights were conducted by two Brazilian Air Force pilots, who participated in training in Sweden. The flight to Gavião Peixoto lasted approximately 50 minutes and took place as planned. The new fighters will remain at the Gripen Flight Test Center until the aircraft obtain the Military Type Certificate, thereafter they will be transferred to Anápolis for the final stages of the delivery phase.
