The Brazilian Air Force has made significant strides in its military capabilities as its Gripen E fighters, also known locally as the F-39E, participated in their first multinational exercise outside of Brazil. The six Gripen Es took part in the SALITRE 2026, a large-scale exercise held at Cerro Moreno Air Base in Antofagasta, Chile, which involved collaboration with air forces from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, and the United States.
During the exercise, the Gripen Es operated under a unified command, executing a range of conventional warfare missions. These included escort missions, air sweeps, and combat air patrols, which showcased their versatility and operational readiness. Importantly, the fighters were employed in air defense roles, both within visual range and beyond visual range (BVR), effectively protecting allied aircraft from simulated threats posed by enemy forces.
Peter Dölling, Managing Director of Saab Brazil, emphasized the significance of this deployment in demonstrating the ongoing implementation of the Gripen program within the Brazilian Air Force. He noted that the exercise not only highlights the capabilities of the Gripen E but also enhances interoperability among allied nations and strengthens regional defense cooperation.
Brazil’s procurement strategy for the Gripen E began in 2014 when the country ordered 28 single-seat Gripen Es and eight two-seat Gripen Fs from Saab. In June, Brazil expressed interest in acquiring an additional 20 aircraft. The initial 2014 contract included the local assembly of 15 of these aircraft, with the first domestically produced Gripen E unveiled in March 2026.
Since 2020, the Brazilian Air Force has received 10 Gripen Es from Sweden, which have been actively participating in Quick Reaction Alert missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base. In preparation for SALITRE 2026, the Gripen fleet trained rigorously, utilizing advanced simulators at Anápolis and engaging in exercises with various Brazilian Air Force squadrons over the preceding month.
Lieutenant Colonel Vítor Bombonato, Commander of the 1st Air Defence Group, highlighted the impressive operational range of the Gripen E, stating that the aircraft could fly directly from Anápolis to Antofagasta without the necessity for in-flight refueling. This underlines the aircraft’s long-range capabilities, which are paramount for modern air operations.
The Gripen E is equipped with advanced technology, including an active electronically scanned array radar and an infrared search and track passive target sensor, both of which were utilized during the multinational drill. The aircraft can also deploy a comprehensive array of munitions, including the sophisticated Meteor BVR air-to-air missile, further enhancing its effectiveness in combat scenarios.
As Brazil continues to advance its air combat capabilities through the Gripen program, the success of the SALITRE 2026 exercise marks a pivotal moment in its military evolution, fostering collaboration and showcasing its operational prowess on an international stage.
