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 from Linköping, Sweden, piloted by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos for approximately 40 minutes.
- Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F under a 2014 agreement with Saab covering 36 aircraft; the South American nation co-developed the variant with more than 350 Brazilian engineers and technicians participating in production and testing.
- Unlike conventional trainers, the Gripen F features an independently functional rear cockpit, allowing it to serve as a fully operational fighter while mirroring the Gripen E's advanced architecture, including AESA radar and an engine providing 20% more thrust.
- Entering a more extensive flight-test campaign, the aircraft will undergo progressive expansion of its performance envelope to verify core systems and handling characteristics before acceptance procedures and delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.
- Beyond Brazil, Saab has received orders from Thailand and Colombia for the two-seat variant, while the Swedish manufacturer anticipates potential future interest from the Swedish Air Force to backfill aircraft donated to Ukraine.
12 Articles
12 Articles
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.
Gripen F Flies for the First Time
The Gripen F, the twin-seater variant of the Gripen E, conducted its first flight from Saab’s airfield in Linköping. Saab has announced the successful first flight of the Gripen F, the twin-seater variant of the Gripen E fighter jet, on Aug. 28, 2026. The aircraft took off at 09:40 local time from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and remained airborne for 40 minutes, said the company. The Gripen F as flown by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Hög…
Saab Gripen F Completes First Flight, Launching Two-Seat Fighter Test Campaign
Saab has successfully completed the first flight of the Gripen F, marking a major milestone in the development of the two-seat variant of the Gripen E fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen F first flight took place from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, with the aircraft departing at 09:40 local time and […] The post Saab Gripen F Completes First Flight, Launching Two-Seat Fighter Test Campaign appeared first on Global Def…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
