First Saab Gripen E built in Brazil completes maiden flight

The first Saab Gripen E assembled in Brazil made its maiden flight on 6 October at Embraer's factory in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, piloted by a Saab test pilot.

The flight tested the aircraft's main systems and flight characteristics and was described as a key step for producing the fighter outside Sweden; the jet will be delivered to the Brazilian Air Force after further production and acceptance tests, with a total of 15 Gripen E aircraft planned under the program and eventual stationing at Anápolis air base with the 1st Air Defense Wing.