In October 2008, Brazil selected three finalists for its F-X2 fighter programme: the Dassault Rafale B/C, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the Gripen NG.
The Brazilian Air Force initially planned to procure at least 36 and possibly up to 120 later, to replace its Northrop F‐5EM and Dassault Mirage 2000C aircraft.
In February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs.
In early 2010, the Brazilian Air Force's final evaluation report reportedly placed the Gripen ahead, a decisive factor being lower unit cost and operational costs.
Amid delays due to financial constraints, there were reports in 2010 of the Rafale's selection, and in 2011 of the F/A-18's selection.
On 18 December 2013, President Dilma Rousseff announced the Gripen NG's selection.
Key factors were domestic manufacturing opportunities, full transfer of technology, participation in its development, and potential exports to Africa, Asia and Latin America; Argentina and Ecuador are interested in procuring Gripens via Brazil, and Mexico is considered an export target.
 Another factor was the distrust of the US due to the NSA surveillance scandal.
The Gripen is not immune to foreign pressure: the UK may use their 30% component percentage in the Gripen to veto an Argentinan sale over the Falkland Islands dispute; thus Argentina is considering other fighters instead.

On 24 October 2014, Brazil and Sweden signed a 39.3 billion SEK (US$ 5.44 bn, R$ 13 bn) contract for 28 Gripen E and 8 Gripen F fighters for delivery from 2019 to 2024 and maintained until 2050; the Swedish government will provide a subsidised 25-year, 2.19% interest rate loan for the buy.
At least 15 aircraft are to be assembled in Brazil, Brazilian companies shall be involved in its production; Gripen Fs are to be delivered later.
An almost US$1 billion price increase since selection is due to developments requested by Brazil, such as the "wide area display" (WAD), a panoramic 19 by 8 inches touchscreen display.
The compensation package is set at US$9 billion, or 1.7 times the order value.
The Brazilian Navy is interested in the Sea Gripen to replace its Douglas A-4KU Skyhawk carrier-based fighters.
In 2015, Brazil and Sweden finalised the deal to develop the Gripen F, designated F-39 by Brazil.

The first Brazilian F-39E Gripen flight took place on 26 August 2019, from Saab's factory airfield in Linköping, Sweden.
The first F-39E was handed over to the Brazilian Air Force on 10 September 2019 for the flight test programme; the fighter is expected to arrive in Brazil in September 2020, and continue testing from Embraer's headquarters in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo.
The first deliveries of the operational fighters will begin in 2021.
According to Saab executive Eddy De La Motte, the first F-39F will be delivered in 2023.
Saab chief executive Håkan Buskhe confirmed negotiations with Brazil to purchase a new batch of 36 Gripen E/Fs; a contract is expected to be signed in 2021 or 2022.
The Brazilian Air Force has a requirement for 108 Gripens, to be delivered in three batches.
In October 2008, Brazil selected three finalists for its F-X2 fighter programme: the Dassault Rafale B/C, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and the Gripen NG. The Brazilian Air Force initially planned to procure at least 36 and possibly up to 120 later, to replace its Northrop F‐5EM and Dassault Mirage 2000C aircraft. In February 2009, Saab submitted a tender for 36 Gripen NGs. In early 2010, the Brazilian Air Force's final evaluation report reportedly placed the Gripen ahead, a decisive factor being lower unit cost and operational costs. Amid delays due to financial constraints, there were reports in 2010 of the Rafale's selection, and in 2011 of the F/A-18's selection. On 18 December 2013, President Dilma Rousseff announced the Gripen NG's selection. Key factors were domestic manufacturing opportunities, full transfer of technology, participation in its development, and potential exports to Africa, Asia and Latin America; Argentina and Ecuador are interested in procuring Gripens via Brazil, and Mexico is considered an export target.  Another factor was the distrust of the US due to the NSA surveillance scandal. The Gripen is not immune to foreign pressure: the UK may use their 30% component percentage in the Gripen to veto an Argentinan sale over the Falkland Islands dispute; thus Argentina is considering other fighters instead.
On 24 October 2014, Brazil and Sweden signed a 39.3 billion SEK (US$ 5.44 bn, R$ 13 bn) contract for 28 Gripen E and 8 Gripen F fighters for delivery from 2019 to 2024 and maintained until 2050; the Swedish government will provide a subsidised 25-year, 2.19% interest rate loan for the buy. At least 15 aircraft are to be assembled in Brazil, Brazilian companies shall be involved in its production; Gripen Fs are to be delivered later. An almost US$1 billion price increase since selection is due to developments requested by Brazil, such as the "wide area display" (WAD), a panoramic 19 by 8 inches touchscreen display. The compensation package is set at US$9 billion, or 1.7 times the order value. The Brazilian Navy is interested in the Sea Gripen to replace its Douglas A-4KU Skyhawk carrier-based fighters. In 2015, Brazil and Sweden finalised the deal to develop the Gripen F, designated F-39 by Brazil.
The first Brazilian F-39E Gripen flight took place on 26 August 2019, from Saab's factory airfield in Linköping, Sweden. The first F-39E was handed over to the Brazilian Air Force on 10 September 2019 for the flight test programme; the fighter is expected to arrive in Brazil in September 2020, and continue testing from Embraer's headquarters in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo. The first deliveries of the operational fighters will begin in 2021. According to Saab executive Eddy De La Motte, the first F-39F will be delivered in 2023. Saab chief executive Håkan Buskhe confirmed negotiations with Brazil to purchase a new batch of 36 Gripen E/Fs; a contract is expected to be signed in 2021 or 2022. The Brazilian Air Force has a requirement for 108 Gripens, to be delivered in three batches.
Saab JAS 39 Gripen