Saab and Embraer have formally signed a Heads of Agreement (HoA) establishing an industrial framework for the potential production of 20 additional Gripen fighter aircraft at Embraer’s aerospace complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo. Under the expanded arrangement, Embraer will handle final assembly of the multi-role fighters to complement Saab’s primary production line in Linköping, Sweden, providing much-needed capacity to meet surging global defence demand. The companies intend to finalize and conclude the corresponding binding agreement later in 2026.

The strategic announcement marks another major evolution in the decade-long industrial partnership between Sweden and Brazil. By integrating Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility into a globally synchronized manufacturing network, both manufacturers are increasing overall delivery throughput while gaining enhanced flexibility to address emerging international export requirements across Latin America and beyond.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, highlighted that the agreement reinforces Saab’s long-term commitment to Latin America, securing critical assembly bandwidth for future business opportunities while taking a proactive approach to support evolving regional customer needs. Echoing this sentiment, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defence & Security, emphasized that the expansion reflects deep mutual trust and strengthens Embraer’s pivotal role within the global Gripen ecosystem as the facility stands fully prepared to scale output.

Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto complex serves as the only Gripen final assembly location operating outside of Sweden. The facility operates as an industrial hub powered by advanced manufacturing processes, a highly skilled workforce and an integrated supply chain that combines specialized Brazilian aerostructures with international systems. This manufacturing model is supported by a comprehensive technology transfer and training initiative that has seen hundreds of Brazilian engineers, technicians, test pilots and assembly specialists complete extensive qualifications in Sweden. This deep exchange of operational best practices continues to drive long-term aerospace growth, solidifying Brazil’s position as a high-technology defence exporter.