Saab Takes Two-Seat Gripen F Fighter into Air for the First Time

Saab conducted the first flight of the new two-seat Gripen F fighter jet, based on the Gripen E.

This was reported by the press service of Saab.

The aircraft took off on August 28 at 9:40 a.m. local time from the Saab airfield in Linköping, Sweden. The flight lasted 40 minutes.

Following the initial acceptance flights, specialists will gradually expand the aircraft’s operational limits by testing its speed, altitude, permissible g-forces, and angles of attack.

Separately, test pilots will evaluate the tactical capabilities and functions of the rear cockpit. Saab will conduct the test campaign through its flight test center in Sweden.

Upon completion of the planned tests and acceptance procedures, the company will prepare the aircraft for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.

Brazil was the launch customer for the Gripen F and participated directly in the development of the two-seat version, in particular by involving its own aerospace industry.

We also recommend reading the exclusive article “The Gripen E/F Fighter: An Aircraft Assembled Piece by Piece from Around the World.”

At the same time, the Swedish Air Force has no plans to procure the new two-seat variant and will continue to use the older JAS 39D version.

Additionally, Thailand will also receive the two-seat version of the Gripen F.

Overall, the Gripen F will differ from the single-seat Gripen E primarily in the presence of a second seat in the cockpit. At the same time, the aircraft’s combat capability will remain on par with the single-seat version, allowing it to be used for combat missions.

It is worth noting that this aircraft, which made its maiden flight, was officially unveiled by Saab on June 2, 2026. The aircraft was painted in the Brazilian Air Force’s colors and became the first two-seat modernized aircraft of this type produced by the company.

In total, Brazil plans to order eight two-seat Gripen F variants, which will complement the 28 single-seat Gripen E aircraft.

In addition to the current contract, under which Brazil is to produce another 14 aircraft for its own Air Force, the country is also considering increasing its order to approximately 20 Gripen fighters in the E and F variants. The exact breakdown between single-seat and two-seat versions has not yet been determined.