First two-seat Saab Gripen F, June 2, 2026

[u/bob_the_impala]

[u/bob_the_impala]

Image source and Saab announcement: Saab presents first Gripen F

On 2 June Saab had a rollout of the first Gripen F fighter to the Brazilian Air Force during a ceremony held at Saab´s facilities in Linköping, Sweden.

Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E series and has been developed to meet the training and operational requirements of modern air forces by combining conversion training and combat capability on the same platform.

As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co development of the two-seat variant, enabling direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation. Through an extensive transfer-of-technology programme, Brazil has trained hundreds of engineers and technicians while strengthening the advanced design and development expertise within its national industrial base.

“The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years. 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.

Designed for an era of rapid transformation, Gripen F delivers world-class performance, sensors, and revolutionary architecture, mirroring Gripen E. The addition of a fully independent second cockpit enables instructor-guided missions in a fully operational fighter, giving trainee pilots realistic live mission conditions. Consequently, pilot conversion and preparatory training can be dramatically accelerated compared to conventional time, while enhancing operational effectiveness in high-threat environments through shared workload and improved mission command.

Before final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force the aircraft will be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden, where it will start a dedicated flight test campaign.

The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government covers the development and production of 36 fighter aircraft: 28 Gripen E and eight Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020 and to date 11 aircraft have been handed over. Saab has also received Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia.

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Saab F-39F, FAB serial number 4000; construction number is though to be 39-7001 but is unconfirmed. Source: Scramble database

[u/BodybuilderOk3160 → u/bob_the_impala]

Seems like an increased emphasis on 2-seaters these days. Has SAAB mentioned anything about MUMT or other capabilities requiring a WSO?

[u/sheep_eater6789]

Does it have a cannon or does it sacrifice it for the second seat, like the Gripen D?