Gripen F Flies for the First Time
The two-seat fighter begins flight tests to verify core systems and prepare for a progressive expansion campaign before delivery to Brazil.
- On August 28, 2026, Saab's Gripen F two-seat fighter completed its inaugural flight in Linköping, Sweden, piloted by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos for 40 minutes.
- Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F under a 2014 agreement with Saab covering 36 aircraft, with over 350 Brazilian engineers and technicians participating directly in the jet's co-development, production, and testing.
- Unlike conventional trainers, the Gripen F features an independently functional rear cockpit allowing full operational combat capability, and mirrors the Gripen E's advanced architecture, including AESA radar and an engine providing 20% more thrust.
- The aircraft enters a more extensive flight-test campaign including progressive envelope expansion to verify core systems and handling characteristics before acceptance procedures for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.
- Saab has already received Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia, while the Swedish Air Force may pursue future acquisitions to backfill the 12 Gripen C/D variants donated to Ukraine, positioning the variant in an expanding global market.
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21 Articles
Saab first raised the two-seater Gripen F into the air — why this version is important for Ukraine The two-seater Gripen F retained the combat capabilities of the <p>Gripen E and can control unmanned fighters. Ukraine plans up to 150 Gripen</p>.
The most modern version of the fighter aircraft took off from Saab airfield in Swedish Linking for 40 minutes.
The aircraft will be prepared for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force. The Swedish defense company Saab successfully completed the maiden flight of the two-seat version of the Gripen F multirole fighter. The aircraft remained airborne for approximately 40 minutes, RBC-Ukraine reported, citing the defense company's press service. The Gripen F took off from Saab's airfield in Linköping, Sweden. During the test flight, specialists checked the aircr…
On Friday, the first flight of the Gripen F – the two-seater variant of the Gripen E – took place. At 9:40 a.m., the plane took off from Saab's airfield in Linköping and then flew for 40 minutes.
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