Brazil's Minister of Defence José Múcio Monteiro Filho visited Sweden from 1 to 4 June 2026 at the invitation of Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson. The two ministers discussed bilateral defence cooperation, with a focus on the aviation industry and ongoing negotiations on the potential acquisition of additional Gripen aircraft.

According to a joint statement from the Swedish Government, the ministers highlighted aeronautical industry cooperation as a central element of the partnership between the two countries. The cooperation is based on an agreement from October 2014 between the Brazilian Air Force and Saab, covering the acquisition of 36 Saab Gripen E/F combat aircraft.

The ministers stated that negotiations are ongoing regarding an amendment to the existing agreement and a possible purchase of an additional 20 Saab Gripen E/F combat aircraft, in order to meet requirements identified for Brazil's national defence.

The two countries also reviewed a proposal for a new framework for technical and scientific cooperation, through the establishment of an innovation centre for the development of new systems and equipment for the operation, maintenance and upgrading of Gripen aircraft. The government states that the initiative is intended to help strengthen the Brazilian defence industrial base.

The ministers also welcomed Sweden's decision to acquire the C-390 Millennium transport aircraft, describing it as a further step in bilateral defence cooperation.

The statement highlighted two milestones: in March 2026, a roll-out ceremony took place in Gavião Peixoto of the first Gripen aircraft manufactured in Brazil, and on 2 June 2026 the first F-39F aircraft (two-seat variant) rolled out of Saab's factory in Linköping (southern Sweden).

The visit took place in conjunction with the celebration of the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Brazil and Sweden.