Saab unveils the first two-seat Gripen F: Brazil’s F-39F takes the stage

Saab has presented the first two-seat Gripen F fighter built for the Brazilian Air Force at a ceremony in Linköping, Sweden. To serve in Brazil as the F-39F, it is the world’s first Gripen F and has yet to make its maiden flight.

The Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the single-engine Gripen E family.

At a Glance

What: the world’s first Gripen F (two-seat) unveiled
Customer: Brazilian Air Force (local name: F-39F)
Where/When: Linköping, Sweden — June 2
Contract: 2014 — 28 Gripen E + 8 Gripen F (36 total)
Status: 11 aircraft delivered so far; first flight pending

The first two-seat Gripen unveiled

Sweden’s Saab has presented the first Gripen F built for the Brazilian Air Force at its facilities in Linköping. The single-engine jet carries the registration 4000 and has yet to fly. Brazil will operate the type under the local designation F-39F.

The Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E series, developed to combine conversion training and combat capability on the same platform. As launch customer, Brazil played an active role in co-developing the two-seater; through an extensive technology-transfer program it trained hundreds of engineers and technicians, strengthening its national industrial base.

The Gripen E/F series stands out in the light-fighter market with modern avionics and low operating costs.

Contract and next steps

The 2014 contract with Brazil covers development and production of 36 aircraft — 28 Gripen E and 8 Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020 and 11 aircraft have been handed over to date. The new jet will move to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden for a dedicated test campaign before delivery. Saab has also booked Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia.

Item	Value
Aircraft	Gripen F (two-seat), reg. 4000
Customer	Brazil (F-39F)
Contract	2014 — 36 aircraft (28 E + 8 F)
Delivered	11 aircraft (to date)
Ceremony	Linköping, Sweden — June 2
Other customers	Thailand, Colombia

Turkey's TUSAS HÜRJET, a national jet combining training and light-combat roles, is developing along a similar track. — Turkey’s TUSAS HÜRJET, a national jet combining training and light-combat roles, is developing along a similar track.

The approach of combining training and combat on a single two-seat platform is becoming increasingly common in the light-fighter and jet-trainer market. Turkey is advancing along this track too with the TUSAS HÜRJET: merging advanced jet training and light-attack roles on one platform, HÜRJET is a notable program for both national needs and export potential.