Saab introduced the Gripen F, a twin-seat version of its Gripen E fighter jet, further marking a global shift toward dual-seat combat aircraft. This variant, developed in collaboration with Brazil, aims to combine pilot training and frontline combat capabilities within a single platform. The rollout ceremony took place at Saab’s facilities in Sweden, signaling close industrial cooperation and technological exchange between Saab and Brazilian defense industries.
The Gripen F reflects a strategic response to modern air force needs for versatile training and operational flexibility. Brazil, the launch customer for the Gripen E/F program, will receive this twin-seat model before Sweden’s Air Force, continuing an unusual trend where the export customer operationalizes the jet ahead of the manufacturer’s own military. This cooperation includes extensive technology transfer and local production, largely carried out by Embraer in Brazil, strengthening the country’s aerospace sector.
Brazil’s commitment began with a major deal in 2014 worth approximately $5.4 billion for 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seaters and eight twin-seaters. Deliveries of the Gripen E started in 2020, with several aircraft already operational within the Brazilian Air Force. The first Gripen E fully assembled in Brazil was unveiled at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto plant, underscoring the depth of industrial partnership.
Before reaching the Brazilian Air Force, the Gripen F will commence flight testing at Saab’s Swedish Flight Test Center, undergoing rigorous evaluation to validate its performance, sensor suite, and advanced architecture that mirrors the single-seat Gripen E. Designed primarily to support pilot conversion training without compromising combat readiness, the twin-seat Gripen aims to streamline pilot preparation by integrating operational duties with training missions.
This launch follows a pattern seen in other leading fighter programs worldwide, including China’s J-20, Russia’s Su-57, and South Korea’s KF-21, all of which have developed twin-seat versions to enhance training effectiveness and mission versatility. Saab’s Gripen F entry thus situates it among the latest generation of multi-role fighters supporting evolving air force requirements globally.