The aircraft, the F-39E Gripen, was officially presented on March 25 in Gavião Peixoto, during a ceremony led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Developed in partnership with Swedish defense group Saab and assembled by Embraer, the jet is the first of its kind to be built in Latin America.

The project stems from a 2014 agreement under which Brazil ordered 36 Gripen fighters, with 15 to be manufactured domestically through a technology transfer program.

Officials say the initiative strengthens Brazil’s defense autonomy and industrial capabilities.

Beyond defense, the program is also expected to position Brazil as a regional hub for advanced military aviation and potential exports.