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.
- 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 in the jet's co-development and production.
- 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 20% more engine thrust.
- The aircraft now enters a more extensive flight-test campaign, including progressive expansion of its performance envelope, to verify core systems and handling characteristics before acceptance procedures for 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 support its Ukraine donation commitments.
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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.
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…
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