Why the Brazilian Air Force Receives Gripen Fighter Jets via the Port of Navegantes

The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) received its 10th F-39E Gripen fighter jet this Thursday (June 12). The aircraft arrived at the Port of Navegantes in Santa Catarina aboard the ship Fagelgracht, which departed from Norrköping, Sweden, on May 23. From there, the fighter will be transported by road to the city’s airport.

This is the seventh time that the Santa Catarina port has received Gripen jets manufactured by Saab in Sweden — on three occasions, two units arrived at once. Since the first delivery in September 2020, all import operations have been handled by Navegantes.

Why Navegantes?

FAB’s preference for this port is driven by logistical and cost efficiency. Maritime shipping is cheaper, and Navegantes is only 2 km from the airport, making ground transportation and aircraft clearance faster.

Each operation involves a complex transfer process, starting with hoisting the fighter from the ship to the quay, followed by road transport to the airport on a special truck. This requires blocking several city roads for up to four hours, always done at night.

The Gripen Program

The F-39 Gripen is a supersonic fighter jet capable of reaching speeds of 2,400 km/h (Mach 2). It is part of Brazil’s FX-5 program, which includes:

• A 2024 contract with Saab for 36 aircraft
• An estimated US$ 5.4 billion investment
• Pilot and mechanic training, logistical support, and technology transfer to Brazilian industries

Although initial plans aimed for delivery completion by 2027, projections now suggest deliveries will extend at least until 2032.

Delivered Units (FAB Registration Numbers)

1. Sept 20, 2020 – 4100
2. Apr 1, 2022 – 4101, 4102
3. Sept 25, 2022 – 4103, 4104
4. May 4, 2023 – 4105, 4106
5. Dec 13, 2023 – 4107
6. Sept 26, 2024 – 4108
7. June 12, 2025 – 4110

The Gripen was chosen after a 33,000-page evaluation, comparing it with competitors like the F/A-18 Super Hornet (Boeing), Rafale (Dassault), F-16 (Lockheed Martin), Su-35 (Sukhoi), and Eurofighter Typhoon (ADS).

The F-39 Gripen has an operational range of 4,000 km, which drops to 1,100 km when armed, but it can refuel mid-air. It can fly at altitudes up to 15,000 meters.

Source: Gazeta do Povo

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