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Brazilian-Built Gripen E Completes Maiden Flight

October 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

First Brazilian-built Gripen E completes maiden flight.
Aircraft is part of 15 fighters to be produced in Brazil.
Flight checked main systems and flight characteristics.
Brazilian Air Force has registered the aircraft as FAB 4109.

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Strategic Implications

This milestone may indicate a significant step forward in Brazil's domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The successful production and flight of the Gripen E in Brazil suggests a growing level of maturity in the country's defense industry, which could have implications for future procurement and production partnerships.

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What Happened

Local Production Ramps Up As Embraer Delivers First Fighter

The first Gripen E fighter assembled in Brazil has completed its maiden flight, marking a significant milestone in the country’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities. The flight, which took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo state, checked the aircraft’s main systems and flight characteristics. The Brazilian Air Force has registered the aircraft as FAB 4109 and designates the type F-39E. The aircraft is part of a contract for 36 Gripen fighters, with deliveries beginning in 2020. This development was first reported by AeroTime.

Source | Originally Published: October 7, 2026

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