Embraer and Saab agree potential production of 20 additional Gripen fighters in Gavião Peixoto

Embraer and Saab announced on Monday (21) that they had signed a Head of Agreement (HoA) covering the potential production of 20 additional Gripen fighter aircraft at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, in the interior of São Paulo state.

Embraer and Saab expand Gripen production plans

The announcement was made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 and marks a further development in the companies’ ten-year partnership. Under the agreement, Embraer will assemble the aircraft, supplementing Saab’s production line in Linköping, Sweden, in order to meet rising worldwide demand for the Swedish fighter.

According to the companies, the move will increase the Gripen programme’s manufacturing capacity through a globally integrated production model, delivering greater flexibility to serve future international customers.

“The expansion of this partnership with Saab reflects the mutual trust built over the past ten years and strengthens Embraer’s strategic role in the Gripen programme. We are very well positioned to support increased production capacity as demand makes this necessary,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security.

For Saab, the agreement underlines the Swedish manufacturer’s commitment to Latin America while preparing the company for future commercial opportunities: “The partnership between Saab and Embraer reinforces our long-term commitment to Latin America. Together, we are strengthening our capabilities, ensuring additional capacity for future business opportunities and taking a forward-looking approach to support the evolving needs of our customers across the region,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Gavião Peixoto’s role in the Gripen programme

Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility has become one of the company’s leading industrial hubs, combining advanced manufacturing capabilities, a specialised workforce, and a domestic and international supplier network. The manufacturers said the complex has a strategic role in expanding production and strengthening the high-technology aerospace industry.

Technology transfer for the Brazilian Air Force

Co-operation between Embraer and Saab began more than a decade ago as part of the Gripen programme for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB). Since then, the companies have created an extensive technology-transfer programme, including the training of engineers, technicians, assembly operators and maintenance specialists in both Brazil and Sweden.

The manufacturers stated that this exchange has strengthened both companies’ industrial capabilities, broadened knowledge-sharing and established foundations for new growth opportunities in the defence sector. Should the agreement be finalised, subject to the FAB signing the amendment contract to acquire additional F-39 aircraft, production of the 20 fighters in Gavião Peixoto will represent a further step in establishing the Brazilian facility as part of the Gripen global manufacturing chain.