The milestone marks a significant achievement and places the country among a select group of nations capable of producing advanced fighter aircraft.

Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, March 25, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3), Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) officially presented the first supersonic fighter aircraft produced in Brazil, during a ceremony held at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State.

Among the Brazilian authorities present at the event were:

·        President of the Republic, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

·        Ambassador of Sweden to Brazil, Karin Wallensteen

·        Minister of Defense, José Múcio Monteiro Filho

·        Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Lieutenant Brigadier Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno

Executives from the companies involved included:

·        Francisco Gomes Neto, President and CEO of Embraer

·        Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security

·        Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab

Statements from Executives

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security:

“We take great pride in supporting the Brazilian Air Force in this project and in developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions and contributing to the defense of our territorial sovereignty. The unveiling of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents yet another significant milestone in the strategic collaboration between Brazil and Sweden. We are confident that this partnership generates value for both countries and holds great potential to open up new business opportunities.”

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab:

“The delivery of the first Gripen produced in Brazil represents far more than the completion of an aircraft; it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation. We are extremely proud of what we have achieved side by side with our Brazilian partners. Saab remains fully committed to expanding, and deepening our presence in Brazil, strengthening the country industrially and technologically, and as an export hub to the world.”

Production Details

Embraer’s industrial site in Gavião Peixoto produces Gripen E fighter jets using a Brazilian and international supply chain, including aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo. Another 14 aircraft under the current contract with the Brazilian Air Force will follow this same production model.

Before final delivery to the customer, the aircraft will undergo functional testing and production flight tests. After this stage, the fighter will join the other ten units already delivered to the First Defense Group (1st GDA) at the Anápolis Air Force Base.

Gripen E Overview

Gripen E is the world’s most modern fighter aircraft, designed for multi-mission roles such as:

·        air defense

·        reconnaissance

·        strike

It integrates modern avionics, sensors, weapons, and mission systems to improve performance in complex environments. Its network-centric architecture and sensor-fusion capabilities enable information sharing across a tactical formation, supporting coordinated decision-making and enhancing situational awareness and threat response.

Brazilian Gripen Program

The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government includes the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters — 28 single‑seat Gripen E and 8 two‑seat Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020, and 10 aircraft have been handed over to date. Since February, the fighter has been operating in Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from Anápolis Air Force Base, safeguarding the airspace over the federal government district.

About Embraer

Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. The company has businesses in:

·        Commercial and Executive Aviation

·        Defense & Security

·        Agricultural Aviation

Embraer designs, develops, manufactures, and markets aircraft and systems, providing services and support to customers after-sales. Since 1969, the company has delivered over 9,000 aircraft, transporting over 150 million passengers annually. Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 150 seats and the main exporter of high-value goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service, and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

About Saab

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose: to help nations keep their people and society safe. With 28,000 employees worldwide, Saab designs, manufactures, and maintains advanced systems in:

·        Aeronautics

·        Weapons

·        Command and control

·        Sensors

·        Underwater systems

Headquartered in Sweden, Saab has major operations worldwide and contributes to the domestic defense capability of multiple nations.

Source: Embraer