Saab's Gripen E makes its debut in multinational military exercise

Saab’s fighter jet is a highlight at CRUZEX 2024, the largest multinational operational training exercise in Latin America, organised by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).

Over two thousand military personnel from Brazil and 15 other nations from across Latin America, Africa, Europe and the United States are gathered for one of the largest operational air exercises in the Southern Hemisphere, CRUZEX 2024.

Held from 3 to 15 November at the Natal Air Base in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, the exercise features over 100 combat aircraft. The main highlight of this edition is the debut of the F-39E Gripen in high-complexity scenarios.

“It is a true honour to see Gripen E’s debut at CRUZEX. We have eagerly awaited this moment marking Gripen E’s first participation in a multinational military exercise. We are delighted that this impressive inaugural event is hosted by our valued customer and partner, the Brazilian Air Force,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Saab completes operational training of Brazilian pilots to fly Gripen

The last class of operational pilots responsible for the deployment of the F-39 Gripen in the 1st Air Defense Group (1st GDA) of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), concluded the Delta Conversion Training on June 13th at the Gripen Centre, located at the F 7 Wing in Såtenäs, in the western region of Sweden.

The course, conducted by the Swedish Air Force’s Phoenix Squadron, is divided into two stages. The Conversion Training, with a duration of 11 weeks and 50 flights per pilot, covers the basic operation of the fighter jet in both solo and formation missions during day and night periods. The Combat Readiness Training includes 25 flights over approximately nine weeks, exploring the air-to-air combat capabilities of the fighter, including the use of missiles, cannons, and the human-machine interface, one of the main features of Gripen.

"The Phoenix Squadron is dedicated to the training of Gripen pilots, and we are equipped appropriately for that, including flight simulators. The Brazilian pilots are highly trained and come here with extensive operational experience, both from the F-5M and AMX units. They quickly learned about the operation, configuration, and flying of Gripen," revealed Major Richard Carlqvist, commander of the Phoenix Squadron.

The Gripen Centre serves as a hub for training pilots who will fly Gripen, both from foreign nations and the Swedish Air Force itself. Throughout the course, students train on the Gripen C/D, with single and twin-seater configurations respectively. Despite being a different Gripen fighter than that acquired by Brazil, this experience is essential as it helps pilots understand the system, operational mode, and flight controls, considering the similarity in some aspects between these different Gripens.

"After being adapted to Gripen C/D in Sweden, our pilots will undergo their conversion to Gripen E entirely in Brazil, using the resources already available at the 1st GDA, mainly through the planning stations and flight simulators. The courses will be conducted within the scope of the 1st GDA and taught by selected Swedish pilots who will remain at the Anápolis air base as flight instructors. They work together with the Brazilian pilots on the conversion and operational deployment of the aircraft," explained Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Gustavo de Oliveira Pascotto, commander of the 1st GDA.

In this binational program with large-scale technology transfer, the interaction between the two countries is continuous and results in benefits for both countries involved.

"The cooperation between the Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces is very good and takes place at various levels. We receive Brazilian fighter pilots here in Såtenäs, but we also have a support group from our base in Anápolis, assisting the FAB in the introduction of Gripen E into service. Cooperation and discussions between the teams are excellent," said Colonel Adam Nelson, commander of the F 7 Wing.

Previously completed training

The Gripen Centre at F 7 Wing has already received 17 FAB pilots. The current commander of the 1st GDA, Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Gustavo, and Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Ramon Lincoln Santos Fórneas were the first FAB pilots to undergo the Gripen C/D course, then as captains, in 2014. Next, three test pilots from the FAB´s Flight Test and Research Institute (Instituto de Pesquisas e Ensaios em Voo – IPEV), with Lieutenant Colonel Cristiano de Oliveira, who was still a major at the time, became the first Brazilian to fly the Gripen E, and now the training is concluded with the three groups of four operational pilots each.

Gripen E fighter jet production line inaugurated in Brazil by Saab and Embraer

Saab and Embraer have this week inaugurated the production line for Gripen E fighter jet in Brazil, at Embraer´s plant in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State.

The event was attended by high-ranking civil and military authorities, as well as representatives from various sectors of Brazilian society. The President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, participated in the ceremony, together with the Minister of Defense, José Mucio Monteiro Filho and the Brazilian Air Force Commander, Air Force General Marcelo Kanitz Damasceno, among other important guests.

The inauguration of the final assembly line, which is the only one for Gripen E outside of Sweden, marks the delivery of one of the most significant contributions to the Gripen fighter ecosystem in Brazil. The Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto with the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN), the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC), and now the assembly line, is home to the development, production and testing stages of the aircraft.

Since the signing of the contract to supply 36 Gripen fighters – 28 Gripen E (single seater) and 8 Gripen F (twin-seater) - to the Brazilian Air Force in 2014, Saab and Embraer have been working together on the largest ongoing technology transfer project in the country. Recently, with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the companies, the production line has also become an opportunity for new business.

"The start of operations of the Gripen production line marks our commitment to transfer technology and knowledge to Brazilian industry. Here, we will produce 15 of the 36 aircraft currently contracted to the Brazilian Air Force. The aim is also to produce here any future Gripen orders from Brazil as well as other countries. We want Brazil to become an export hub to Latin America and potentially other regions”, said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Saab Receives Order for Gripen C/D Development

Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) concerning support and maintenance services for the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft. The order ensures continued operation and a cost-effective solution regarding the maintenance and availability of the system. The order is valued at SEK 308 million.

The order includes development, studies, and testing regarding rear maintenance of JAS 39 Gripen C/D, development of a packaging concept, and studies on how, from a maintenance perspective, Gripen C/D and Gripen E can effectively coexist in the fleets. The order also includes avionics computers.

The order is a call-off of an option within the framework of a previous agreement with FMV relating to ensuring the continued operation of and capability-enhancing measures for JAS 39 Gripen C/D, an agreement that was communicated on 16 December 2022.

In 2023, two additional services were ordered with a total value of approximately SEK 220 million. These services include the integration of the target designator pod LDP15 (Laser Guided Pod) on JAS 39 Gripen C/D as well as the procurement of related support systems and maintenance equipment.

The work, which is already underway, is being carried out at Saab in Linköping and Arboga.

Gripen E now in operation with Brazilian Air Force

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) held a ceremony on 19 December at the Anápolis Air Base (BAAN) marking the beginning of operational activities of the Gripen E fighters (referred to as Gripen F-39 in Brazil) by the First Air Defense Group (1st GDA).

This important customer milestone follows the flight test phase in Brazil that started in September 2020 with the arrival of the test aircraft in the country, and which were conducted at the Gripen Flight Test Center (GFTC) located at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto.

"The start of operational activities with Gripen E by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) is an extremely important day. It marks the beginning of a new operational era for FAB but also is the result of years of hard work done in partnership with the Air Force and with our Brazilian industry partners: Embraer, AEL Sistemas, Akaer, Atech, and our own subsidiaries in Brazil,” said Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.

At the event two Gripen fighters made a presentation flight led by FAB pilots Lieutenant Colonel Gustavo Pascotto, Commander of the 1st GDA, and Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Lincoln Santos Fórneas. The Brazilian pilots carried out their training with Gripen E in Sweden. They also practiced for today’s flight on the mission trainers, which are installed at the Anápolis Air Base.

In November, Saab achieved the certification necessary for the military use of Gripen E, which attests that the aircraft has met certain airworthiness and flight safety requirements which was an important step prior to operational activities with the FAB. This was granted by both the Swedish and Brazilian military authorities, represented by the Swedish Military Aviation Safety Inspectorate (FLYGI) and the Industrial Fostering and Coordination Institute (IFI) in Brazil. The joint certification reflects the synergy obtained through the technical cooperation between the two authorities in each country.

“Brazil now has one of the most advanced fighters in the world. This is currently the most extensive ongoing technology transfer programme in Brazil and it is definitely the largest one ever done by any Swedish company, bringing to the Brazilian defence industry the knowledge to develop, produce, test and maintain an advanced supersonic fighter. We are very proud to be a strategic partner to Brazil," concluded Johansson.

Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces sign new maintenance contract for Gripen

Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces have entered into a contract and Saab has received an order for support and maintenance services for Gripen. The order value amounts to approximately SEK 3.4 billion and relates to the period 2023 to 2025. The contract also contains options for the Swedish Armed Forces to place additional orders in support and maintenance services until 2027.

The contract includes support and maintenance of Gripen and is a replacement of the previous contract from May 2017 with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, who has also represented the Armed Forces regarding the new contract.

The contract encompasses support and maintenance services that are of importance for Gripen's flight operations. It includes design and support, component maintenance, logistics services, technical system support, publications, spare parts, repairs, ground support equipment, pilot equipment, and training.

“With this contract, Saab will continue to deliver efficient operations to provide a high level of availability for Gripen. It gives us the opportunity to support our customers in the new global situation, both now and in the future,” says Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab business area Aeronautics.  

Services will be provided at Saab's facilities in Linköping, Arboga, Järfälla, Huskvarna, Gothenburg and Östersund.

Saab receives order for upgrade of Gripen C/D

Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) have signed a contract and Saab has received an order to ensure the continued operability of and provide capability enhancements to the fighter aircraft JAS 39 Gripen C/D. The order value is approximately SEK 3.5 billion and the contract period is 2023-2029. The contract also includes options that enable FMV to place additional orders for capability enhancements during 2023.

The enhancements will provide Sweden with a more effective and powerful fighter capability. The aircraft will be equipped with a new version of the engine, which will enhance flight performance. A more effective electronic warfare system will also be introduced and the upgrade will create conditions for increased attack capability with a new payload.

 

The order encompasses an upgrade to Saab’s latest fighter radar, which provides increased performance with emphasis on enhanced fighter capability and extended detection and tracking range. It also includes an upgraded and future-proof avionic system which, among other features, enables fast software updates of the sensor function.

“This upgrade will provide the Swedish Air Force with a significantly stronger fighter capability. The contract is a big leap ahead in terms of radar performance and functionality, both for the hardware and software, and will future-proof the operational capability of Gripen C/D,” says Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics.

The capability enhancement will enable better interoperability between Gripen C/D and Gripen E, for example by the upgrade of support systems and data links. Interoperability is a prerequisite as the platforms will be used in parallel over many years.

Saab and FMV Sign Contract for new Gripen Launch System

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the development and integration of a new launch system for Gripen C/D and Gripen E. The order, valued at approximately SEK 400 million, was placed during the first quarter.

The order includes the development and integration of a new launch system for air-to-air missiles and countermeasure pods on Gripen C/D and Gripen E. The contract also includes options for subsequent series orders of launcher systems.

The launchers can be integrated with existing variants of weapon pylons and can carry all Gripen air-to-air missiles.

“The integration of the new launch system is an important component for ensuring the continued high availability of the Gripen system. After delivery, maintenance of the launch systems will be performed in Sweden, which further contributes to a secure supply of defence equipment for our customers,” says Åsa Schöllin, head of the Gripen Sustainment business unit.

The launcher is mounted to the aircraft’s weapon pylon.

Saab is a leading defence and security company with a mission to help nations protect their populations and to contribute to the safety of people and societies. With 18,000 talented employees, Saab develops technology and solutions for a safer, more sustainable, and more just world.  Saab develops, manufactures, and maintains sophisticated systems within aeronautics, weapons, and sensors, as well as management systems and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden, but has global operations through which the company contributes to many nations’ defence capabilities.

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Saab Receives Order for Gripen C/D Upgrade

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to ensure the continued operation of JAS 39 Gripen C/D and to provide capability enhancements to preserve the operational relevance of the fighter aircraft. The order value is SEK 500 million.

Gripen C/D is the system that will be used for many years to come in Sweden and in other countries that have purchased Gripen. The development is also done to further ensure a cost-effective solution regarding construction, design and procurement.

“Gripen C/D is the backbone of the Swedish Armed Forces today and will continue to be for many years to come, so this is an important order where we will ensure the continued operation and operational relevance of Gripen C/D,” says Jonas Hjelm, Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

The purpose of the order is to start implementation of the upgrade to fulfil the Swedish Armed Forces’ need to maintain the continued high capability and availability of Gripen C/D up to 2035.

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Saab Receives Order for Future Development Support of Gripen

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, to provide future development support for Gripen from April 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The total order value is SEK 998 million.

The order is an extension of an existing contract and enables the future development of Gripen for the Swedish Air Force and other Gripen users around the world. The contract includes the operating and support of test aircraft and advanced tools such as testing rigs and simulators. Test aircraft together with these advanced tools are used in the verification and validation of Gripen C/D and Gripen E fighter systems as Saab develops future new capabilities or enhancements. 

“Gripen is designed for continuous upgrades to take on and defeat new combat challenges – a design approach that we have already proven many times. To enable continued development in Gripen it is required that we have advanced tools in place that are easy to manage, quick to implement and affordable to sustain. This order invests in achieving all of these objectives so that Gripen will always be in the forefront, both for today and the future,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area, Aeronautics.

The main part of the order concerns operations at Saab’s facilities in Sweden, in the towns of Linköping, Gothenburg, Järfälla, Arboga and Växjö. 

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Saab Receives Order for Definition of Future Options for Sweden’s Gripen C/D Fighters

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to define what is needed to meet Sweden’s requirements for the continued, effective operation and availability of Gripen C/D until 2035. The order value is 185 MSEK.

The work will be conducted during the period of December 2020 to December 2021.

 “Gripen C/D is the backbone of the Swedish Air Force and will be for many years to come. The result of the work will be that the customer has the ability to take different directions depending on their future needs. Saab’s expertise in developing advanced fighter technology gives Sweden the means to decide how Gripen C/D remains a formidable frontline fighter in the 2030s,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Gripen is in service with a number of air forces including Sweden, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa and Thailand. The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its platform for test pilot training. Sweden and Brazil have also respectively ordered 60 and 36 new Gripen fighter aircraft.

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Saab's Gripen officially presented in Brazil

The Gripen E, named F-39E Gripen by the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), was officially presented today October 23rd, during the celebrations of Aviators’ Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day, at Wing 1, in Brasília. The aircraft flew over the air base after an air display of the Brazilian Smoke Squadron.

The ceremony was attended by Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazilian Defence Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva; the Swedish Ambassador to Brazil, Johanna Brosmar-Skoogh; the Brazilian Air Force Commander, Air Lieutenant Brigadier Antonio Carlos Moretti Bermudez; Commander of the Swedish Air Force,Major General Carl-Johan Edström; Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saab, Marcus Wallenberg; and President and CEO of Saab, Micael Johansson, among others.

“It is a great honour to see Gripen E at the ceremony in celebration to the Aviators’ Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day. I do not believe that there is a more appropriate occasion for this presentation, as it certainly means a lot to all Brazilian aviators to have the aircraft flying in the skies of Brazil”, stated Micael Johansson, CEO and President of Saab. "This is the result of a successful collaboration between Brazil and Sweden, and a great opportunity to further strengthen ties between the two countries".

Saab strengthens ties to Quebec and Canada through CRIAQ partnership

Saab and the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

This collaborative relationship aims to leverage Quebec's R&D ecosystem’s strengths to encourage the development of collaborative research projects between Saab and Canadian industry, as well as universities and research organizations.

This collaboration has been formed to support Saab’s future Industrial and Technological Benefit (ITB) commitments, if the Gripen fighter is selected for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP).

“The quality and breadth of aerospace research and innovation in Canada is globally recognised, with the Quebec region home to many excellent companies and institutions. Therefore, it was natural to reach this agreement with an important organisation like CRIAQ. We look forward to working together to benefit research and the fostering of talent in Quebec,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and Saab’s Head of business area Aeronautics.

“During such unsure times within the industry, this partnership demonstrates that the aerospace industry in Quebec and Canada remains attractive and world class. We are very pleased with this signing as we continue to develop our aerospace industry, adding a new global player to our ecosystem. I am convinced that CRIAQ's academic, industrial and SME community, and the Quebec economy as well, will clearly benefit from this international collaboration," said Alain Aubertin, CEO of CRIAQ.

The ITB Policy is the government's main tool for leveraging procurement to create jobs and economic growth in Canada. Saab has submitted an offer of 88 Gripen E fighters for the Canadian FFCP, and a core element of the Gripen industrial offering includes CAE in Montreal, Quebec who will supply training and mission systems solutions.

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Saab offers Gripen to Canada

Supported by Sweden, Saab has submitted its proposal for the Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) to Canada. The proposal comprises 88 Gripen E fighter aircraft, with a comprehensive support and training package and an industrial and technological benefits programme.

This is the formal response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) on July 23, 2019. Saab is committing to deliver an industrial programme that has been designed to generate long-lasting, high-tech employment opportunities, and business opportunities across all regions of Canada.

“Saab’s Gripen fighter is designed to operate in harsh environments and defeat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada’s specific defence requirements, offering exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities. A unique element of the avionics design is that Gripen E’s system can be updated quickly, maintaining technological superiority against any adversary,” says Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

Saab starts Gripen Production in Brazil

Saab's first aerostructures plant outside of Sweden for the new Gripen E/F fighter, in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, reaches another important milestone with the start of production. This site builds sections of Gripen, which will then be delivered to the final assembly facilities at the Embraer plant in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil and to Saab in Linköping, Sweden.

In 2014, Saab signed a contract with the Brazilian government for the development and production of 36 Gripen E/F aircraft. In September last year, the first Brazilian Gripen E aircraft was delivered to start the flight test programme. Now, another milestone is reached, as Gripen production starts at Saab’s site in São Bernardo do Campo, in São Paulo in Brazil.

Saab Receives Order for Gripen Support and Maintenance Operations

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) on behalf of the Swedish Armed Forces to provide support and maintenance services for Gripen from 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021. The total order value amounts to MSEK 687.

The order is a nine-month extension of a contract signed with FMV late May 2017, regarding performance-based support and maintenance of Gripen and cover the period 1 July 2020 to 31 March 2021. The order includes support and maintenance services essential to aviation operations with Gripen. The order covers, for example, design and support, component maintenance, the provision of logistics, technical system support, publications, spare parts, repairs, ground support equipment and pilot equipment.

"With this order, Saab will continue to provide support for an effective operation and availability of Gripen," says Ellen Molin, head of Saab business area Support & Services.

Work will be carried out at Saab's facilities in Linköping, Arboga, Järfälla, Gothenburg and Östersund.

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Saab arranges rolling credit and starts work on a two seat version of its Gripen fighter aircraft.

Saab has performed the first metal cut for the two-seater fighter aircraft Gripen F, marking an important milestone in the programme. 

Gripen F is under development for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and shares the same advanced design and features as Gripen E, but with seat, displays and controls for a second crew member.  Gripen F has both a training mode for tuition of one crew member and a mode whereby the two crew members can share the workload with different display settings.

The first part was manufactured recently at Saab’s facilities in Linköping and is for the air duct section, just behind the cockpit of the aircraft.

“This milestone is important for the Gripen project because it demonstrates that the development phase is proceeding properly. This signals the beginning of the production of the two-seater aircraft, Gripen F, which is much anticipated by the Brazilian Air Force,” says Colonel Renato Leite, head of the Monitoring and Control Group (GAC-Saab) at the Brazilian Air Force.

Saab Announces ‘Gripen for Canada Team’

Saab is bidding for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) and announced this week that leading Canadian aerospace companies IMP Aerospace & Defence, CAE, Peraton Canada and GE Aviation are the ‘Gripen for Canada Team’.

Saab is offering Gripen E, with the support of the Swedish government, for Canada’s future fighter requirement of 88 new aircraft to replace the Royal Canadian Air Force’s existing CF-18 Hornet fighter fleet. The Canadian Request for Proposal requires companies to deliver high-quality industrial and technological benefits, such as Saab has demonstrated with Gripen for Brazil and is offering for Finland and India’s fighter requirements.

Saab’s bid to the Government of Canada will include a comprehensive proposal to deliver those benefits, with high quality jobs and technology, adding greater economic value and knowledge across Canadian industry coast to coast. Today’s announcement is the first step toward achieving this offer with IMP Aerospace & Defence, CAE, Peraton Canada and GE Aviation as the ‘Gripen for Canada Team’.

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