Brazilian Gripen E historic Meteor missile test

Brazilian Air Force Launches Meteor Missile from Gripen E in Historic Test

First South American firing of MBDA Meteor strengthens Brazil’s air combat capability and Gripen program

The Brazilian Air Force has successfully carried out its first guided launch of the MBDA Meteor long‑range air‑to‑air missile from a Saab Gripen E fighter jet, marking a historic milestone as the first Meteor firing in South America. This achievement is part of the testing campaign to reach full operational capability for Brazil’s Gripen fleet.

So far, Saab has delivered eleven Gripen E aircraft to Brazil—one dedicated to research and certification, while ten serve in the first operational squadron. Deliveries of an additional twenty‑five aircraft will begin next year, including jets assembled at Brazil’s newly established licensed final assembly line.

Officials have suggested that positive operational results could lead to additional aircraft orders, while the Brazilian assembly line may also support production for the Colombian Gripen contract.

Alongside the aircraft, Brazil has acquired a wide range of advanced weaponry, including the Meteor missile, under a 2019 contract covering approximately 100 units. With this capability, the Brazilian Air Force is positioning itself as the most powerful air arm in Latin America, enhancing deterrence and regional defense strength.

Source: ©XAirForces News, 6 January 2026

Photo: Brazilian Air Force Executes First Meteor Missile Launch from Gripen E (Photo by ©SAAB)

"Photo Story: The METEOR Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) first firing in Brazil underscores Gripen E’s long-range air combat capability.

Historic test marks South America’s debut of the long-range MBDA Meteor missile, advancing Brazil’s Gripen program toward full operational capability.

The Brazilian Air Force has successfully conducted its first guided launch of the MBDA Meteor long-range air-to-air missile from a Saab Gripen E fighter jet. This milestone represents the first firing of the Meteor in South America and forms part of the ongoing testing campaign to achieve full operational capability for Brazil’s Gripen fleet.

Saab has delivered eleven Gripen E aircraft to Brazil to date—one dedicated to research and certification, while the remaining ten serve in the country’s first operational squadron. Brazil is scheduled to receive an additional twenty-five aircraft beginning next year, with deliveries including jets assembled at the newly established licensed final assembly line in Brazil.

Officials have indicated that strong operational results could lead to further aircraft orders. The Brazilian production line may also contribute to fulfilling the contract signed with Colombia, with potential local manufacturing involvement.

In parallel with the aircraft acquisition, Brazil has procured a broad arsenal of suspended weaponry, including the Meteor missile. Backed by a 2019 contract covering approximately one hundred Meteor units, the Brazilian Air Force is positioning itself as the most capable air arm in Latin America."

Editor: A. Eduardo Marinho (©XAirForces Military & Intelligence and Aerospace Industry News Editor from Brazil

Keywords: Brazil, Brazilian Air Force, Gripen E, Saab Gripen Brazil, Meteor missile, MBDA Meteor, South America air power, Brazilian fighter jets, Gripen deliveries Brazil, Brazilian Air Force modernization, Latin America defense, Colombian Gripen contract, Brazilian assembly line, long range air to air missile, Meteor missile Saab aircraft Brazil

Brazilian Air Force Launches Meteor Missile from Gripen E


(6.01.2026)