The Saab JAS 39 Gripen E , the newest and most capable (and only) multirole fighter jet in the Brazilian Air Force, made its debut at a set of war games hosted by Brazil. The Gripen E is the latest variant of the Gripen family of fighter jets that Sweden is looking for international buyers. The Gripen was built by Sweden with an eye for flexibility, ruggedness, ease of maintenance, and the ability to operate in comparatively austere conditions.
Brazil’s Gripen Es make their debut
The annual Cruzeiro do Sul Exercise (CRUZEX) 2024 war games in Brazil have been described as the largest multinational operational war exercise. They are held from 3 to 15 November, attracting more than 100 military aircraft from 16 countries. These include the United States Air Force, which is participating with F-15Es. Among far-off countries, South Africa is also participating. While South Africa also operates the Gripen E, only two are operational, and it is unclear if these are present.
The host nation, Brazil, is one of the countries purchasing the Gripen E (which is locally called the F-29E), and it is purchasing at least 36 of them. According to FlightGlobal, the Gripen E has been flown by “Brazil’s 1st Air Defence Group (ADG) since late 2022; CRUZEX 2024 marks the first time a Gripen E has participated in multinational military exercises anywhere.” Brazil’s Gripens are flying as aggressor missions against CRUZEX participants.
Brazil may be right that the Gripen E is the most advanced fighter jet in South America (although Chile’s 36 F-16Cs, after they receive their upgrades, would be a runner-up).
Photo: Ryan Fletcher | Shutterstock
The Gripen E is the pride of the Swedish military industry and Sweden is planning to purchase 60 of them to replace some of its older Gripen C/D models. Thailand is also expected to purchase 12 of the jets instead of F-16s. Additionally, it looks likely the Gripen will eventually be donated to Ukraine.
Chile has one of the more capable air forces in the region although Brazil has many light combat aircraft and is purchasing modern fighters.
Latin America’s limited fleet of fighter jets
There are only a few multi-role fighter jets in Latin American countries. Defense has long been low on South America’s list of priorities – before acquiring the Gripen E, Brazil lacked modern fighter jets. Argentina is also without modern fighters – although it is purchasing 24 retired Danish F-16s. Currently, the only F-16 operators in the region are Chile (whose fleet of 36 F-16s is soon to be upgraded) and Venezuela (which also operates the Russian Su-30MK2 – although how many Venezuelan fighter jets are operational is another topic).
Photo: Per Kustvik | Saab
Colombia operates a small fleet of around 17 aging Israeli K-21 Kfirs (these are largely reverse-engineered French Dassault Mirage 5). According to Army Recognition, Colombia is moving to purchase Saab Gripen fighters. While not yet officially confirmed, the deal is said to be on the verge of finalization and worth around $3 billion.
Further north, Cuba once had the most powerful air force in Latin America, but it is now a diminished museum of its former self. Mexico, the world’s most populous Spanish-speaking country, does not have multirole fighter jets.
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Publish date : 2024-11-05 22:48:00
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