Saab has successfully completed the first flight of Gripen F, the two-seat variant of Gripen E. The aircraft took off at 09:40 local time from Saab’s airfield in Linköping, Sweden, and remained airborne for 40 minutes. The flight was conducted at Saab’s airfield in Linköping by Saab chief test pilot Jakob Högberg and Brazilian Air Force test pilot Lieutenant Colonel Aviator Abdon de Rezende Vasconcelos. This inaugural sortie successfully verified the functionality of the aircraft core systems and its initial flight performance.
“This first flight represents an important step forward for both Saab and the Brazilian Air Force. Seeing Gripen F take to the skies is particularly significant for all the Swedish and Brazilian teams whose years of engineering work have helped turn this aircraft into a reality. It is designed to accelerate pilot training while and enhancing operational performance in advanced combat missions,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.
With this mission, Gripen F enters the airborne phase of its test campaign. Following the initial production acceptance flights, the programme will move into a progressive envelope expansion phase, in which the aircraft full performance limits — including speed, altitude, G-load and angle of attack — will be cleared step by step. In parallel, tactical capabilities and rear cockpit functions specific to the two-seat configuration will also be evaluated.
Gripen F is the result of the strategic partnership between Brazil and Sweden, as well as the extensive technology transfer carried out under the Brazilian Gripen Programme. More than 350 Brazilian engineers, technicians and pilots have participated in training activities related to the development, production, flight testing and maintenance of the aircraft.
As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co-development of the two-seat variant, enabling direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation.
The campaign will be conducted by Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden. Once the planned activities and aircraft acceptance procedures have been completed, Gripen F will be prepared for delivery to the Brazilian Air Force.
Saab receives order for RBS 70 NG from Finland
Saab has signed a contract and received an initial order from The Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command for deliveries of the RBS 70 NG air defence solution. The order value is SEK 1.2 billion The new contract also enables Finland to place additional future orders for the RBS 70 NG as well as training, spare parts and maintenance equipment.
“We are proud to continue supporting Finland’s Defence Forces and contributing to keeping the nation’s skies safe. With RBS 70 NG, Finland will receive a state-of-the art short-range air defence capability to effectively meet evolving aerial threats,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
The Finnish Defence Forces has been a user of the previous version of RBS 70 since 2008. The latest generation, RBS 70 NG, features the unjammable laser-guided missile while also adding a range of new capabilities, such as an automatic target tracker and built-in night capability which further increase hit probability and enhance operational use.
Saab signs long-term agreement for camouflage systems with the Netherlands
Saab has signed a long-term agreement with the Netherlands Ministry of Defence for the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System. Saab has also received a first order within the agreement, with deliveries in the coming years. The agreement, which runs over multiple years, enables the Netherlands to place orders and equip their vehicles with Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System.
“We are proud to support the Royal Netherlands Army with our advanced multispectral camouflage solutions, helping to protect its vehicle fleet from detection across the modern sensor spectrum, strengthening survivability and mobility on the battlefield,” says Henning Robach, head of Saab’s business unit Barracuda.
The initial order is for the Royal Netherlands Army’s existing Fennek and Panzerhaubitz vehicles. The agreement also includes options to equip additional vehicle types in the future. Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System is tailor-made for a perfect fit for any vehicle, with woodland, urban or arctic camouflage patterns and can be deployed in any environment.
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