Saab and Embraer have signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) to establish a framework for the potential production of 20 additional Gripen fighter aircraft at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto industrial facility in São Paulo, Brazil.
Under the proposed agreement, Embraer will assemble the additional Gripen aircraft at its Brazilian facility, complementing Saab’s existing final assembly line in Linköping, Sweden. The move is aimed at increasing production capacity to meet growing global demand for the Gripen fighter while providing greater manufacturing flexibility.
The agreement marks another milestone in the decade-long partnership between Saab and Embraer, strengthening their globally integrated production model and supporting future export opportunities for the Gripen programme.
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Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said the partnership reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to Latin America while expanding industrial capabilities to support future customer requirements. “The partnership between Saab and Embraer reinforces our long-term commitment to Latin America. Together, we are strengthening our capabilities, securing additional production capacity and preparing to meet the evolving needs of customers across the region,” Johansson said.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, said the expanded collaboration reflects the strong relationship developed between the two companies over the past decade. “The expansion of this partnership reflects the mutual trust built over the past ten years and reinforces Embraer’s strategic role in the Gripen programme. We are well positioned to support increased production capacity as future demand grows,” he said.
Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility has become a key aerospace manufacturing hub, supported by advanced production capabilities, a highly skilled workforce and an integrated supply chain involving Brazilian and international suppliers.
The partnership has also delivered significant technology transfer and workforce development benefits. Through the Brazilian Air Force’s Gripen programme, engineers, technicians, assembly operators, maintenance specialists and test pilots have received extensive training in Sweden, helping build advanced aerospace manufacturing and sustainment capabilities in Brazil.
Beyond aircraft production, the agreement also strengthens long-term lifecycle support for future Gripen operators. Expanding industrial capability and developing a skilled maintenance workforce will play an important role in supporting future maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), fleet sustainment and technology transfer programmes as the global Gripen fleet continues to expand.
