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.