Saab officially rolls out the world’s first 2 seat Gripen F
Hours after reports emerged that Saab was preparing to unveil the Gripen F, the manufacturer has indeed launched the two-seat variant.
Unveiled on 2 June during a ceremony at Saab’s facilities in Linköping, Sweden, the Gripen F will now be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre, where it will be tested ahead of handover to the Brazilian Air Force.
The Gripen F has been part of Brazil’s Gripen plan since the original 2014 contract, which covered 36 aircraft: 28 single-seat Gripen E fighters and eight two-seat Gripen F variants. Saab began manufacturing the first Gripen F in 2020, when the first metal was cut for the Brazilian Air Force aircraft.
The Gripen F – more than just a training aircraft
Unlike a dedicated training aircraft, the Gripen F is designed to retain the combat capabilities of the Gripen E while adding a second cockpit for instruction, mission support and shared workload. Saab hopes this will not only accelerate pilot conversion and preparatory training for Gripen fleets, but also improve its effectiveness in high-threat environments.
As the launch customer of the aircraft, Brazil was deeply involved in the development of the aircraft. Saab noted that the extensive knowledge transfer partnership has seen hundreds of engineers and technicians trained, deepening the aerospace expertise in Brazil.
“Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration. It represents not only a highly capable fighter for the Brazilian Air Force, but also the tangible outcome of sustained joint development and shared ambition,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics.
The Gripen F retains the majority of the typical Gripen characteristics, although it is around 70cm longer to accommodate the second cockpit. It is not listed as having the Mauser BK27 cannon, but it does have the same MTOW, thrust and hardpoints as the Gripen E.
Brazil to launch the Gripen F, but it won’t be the only operator
Brazil’s 2014 Gripen contract covers the development and production of 36 fighters, comprising 28 Gripen E single-seat aircraft and eight Gripen F two-seat aircraft.
Deliveries began in 2020, and Saab said 11 aircraft have been handed over to date. In March, the first locally built Gripen, constructed by Embraer, rolled out of the factory.
Brazil is the launch customer for the Gripen F, with eight two-seat aircraft included in its 36-aircraft Gripen E/F order. Saab says the two-seat variant has also now been ordered by Thailand and Colombia, giving the Gripen F a growing international customer base beyond the Brazilian Air Force.
Featured image: Saab
