Swedish and Brazilian Gripen E Fly Together
As a sign of years of great collaboration, the first Brazilian Gripen flew side by side with Sweden’s first Gripen E (designated 6002) for the first time. Together, the two nations have been driving the development of Gripen E/F through joint tests, verification, and validation programs as part of the Brazilian Gripen programme.
The Gripen programme has also been instrumental in the strengthening of Brazil's national defence industry. The Brazilian partners have remained involved in development and production of Gripen aerostructures, systems, avionics, production, and flight testing and training. Some of the Brazilian companies such as Embraer, Akaer and AEL Sistemas are even part of Saab's global supply chain for Gripen E/F. As of today, the Brazilian Gripen programme features one of the largest technology transfer programmes ever carried out for the Brazilian Air Force, and the largest ever done by Saab to another country.
“Brazil is the perfect partner. Not only do they have the operational knowledge and an experienced aviation industry, they also play a major role in Gripen's development,” says Major General Carl-Johan Edström, Commander of the Swedish Air Force. “Together we seek for solutions that involve long-term commitment, and just like us, they want to build their capacity for the next 20 years and longer. I am very positive about the future of this collaboration,” he adds.
Brazil and its defence industry also play a major role in the development of Gripen F. About 400 engineers are working on the development of Gripen F at the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN). Gripen Flight Center, located at the same plant, will also start its operations later this year.
However, Brazil is not the only new test site where Saab is expanding its flight operation this year. Saab will also transfer a Gripen E aircraft to Malmen airbase in Linköping as part of its joint testing strategy together with the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) and the Swedish Armed Forces.
“I am incredibly proud to be an Air Force Commander in a nation that manufactures its own fighter aircraft. It is not only something remarkable amongst nations but it also means that I can safely say that we are tactically superior already with the system we have today, Gripen C/D,” says Major Edström.
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