The renewal of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) combat aviation through the incorporation of Saab F-39 Gripen E/F fighters represents one of the most significant military re-equipment programs in the region in recent years. However, the originally planned delivery schedule has undergone significant changes, forcing completion of the process to be extended until 2032. This new timeline contrasts with the original forecasts of the F-X2 program, which envisioned a much more ambitious schedule concentrated in just a few years, with the expectation of providing the FAB with full operational capability in a considerably shorter timeframe.
In the initial contract, it had been stipulated that the 36 aircraft would be delivered within just four years, with a production and transfer rate surpassing seven units annually at certain points. Under those conditions, the plan foresaw that the Air Force could complete the replacement of its fighter fleet in a short period, ensuring the rapid incorporation of new capabilities and consolidating an operational doctrine centered on the Gripen E/F as the core of its air power.
The evolution of the program, however, has taken a very different course than originally anticipated. According to PEC 55/2023, discussed during a public hearing of the Foreign Relations and National Defense Committee (CRE), the updated scenario, identified as TA12, establishes that delivery of the 36 aircraft will be completed over eleven years. This schedule includes, for example, the delivery of just one aircraft next year, followed by four in 2027, five in 2028, two in 2029, three in 2030, five in 2031, and another five in 2032. The contrast with the originally projected cadence, which envisioned a much steadier inflow of aircraft, is evident and reflects how financial and industrial difficulties deeply altered the program’s initial planning.
The reasons behind this rescheduling lie largely in budgetary constraints. Brazil has faced difficulties in forecasting and allocating resources for defense, a situation that led to a cost overrun equivalent to 13% above the original contract value. This increase, which comparatively represents the cost of acquiring six additional fighters, underscores the financial management tensions within the program and the lack of a more coherent long-term funding distribution. All of this highlights the difficulty of sustaining a constant and balanced investment pace over time.
Despite these challenges, the introduction of the Gripen E/F into service has meant an unprecedented technological leap for the Brazilian Air Force. The aircraft are equipped with an advanced AESA radar, state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems, secure communications, and the Link BR2 data link, designed specifically for the FAB. In addition, their ability to operate the long-range Meteor air-to-air missile provides the Gripen with beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat superiority never before seen in South America, positioning Brazil as a regional leader in air combat capabilities.
A fundamental aspect of the program has been the involvement of Embraer, acting as a key industrial partner in technology transfer and local production. Since the arrival of the first aircraft in 2019, Brazil has not only received fighters assembled in Sweden but also begun domestic manufacturing of a batch of units. This process has enabled the accumulation of expertise in systems integration, maintenance, and training of pilots and technicians, consolidating the Brazilian industry as a regional benchmark with the capacity to project knowledge and services related to Gripen operations.
*Images for illustrative purposes
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