Brazil became the first country to launch heavy and laser-guided bombs using the Gripen fighter jet during tests announced on February 9, 2026, between 5:15 PM and 7:16 PM UTC, according to Exame reporting in an X post from @exame at https://x.com/exame/status/2020864626322190371. The milestone demonstrates advanced capabilities of the Brazilian Air Force's Gripen aircraft, with Exame detailing the successful deployment of the munitions in the article linked to the post published within the two-hour reporting window. Separate developments included Brazilian authorities working on February 9 to block access to the Rumble video app after it bypassed a nationwide ban imposed amid the country's efforts against disinformation, as reported by AFP in an X post from @AFP at https://x.com/AFP/status/2020891701947015360. Police reported at least 10 minors as victims of exploitation by a pilot, according to CNN Brasil in an X post from @CNNBrasil at https://x.com/CNNBrasil/status/2020925270291775897 published during the window, with no further details on the location or timing of the incidents provided. These events follow President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's earlier announcement of a R$ 1.4 billion investment in Butantan Institute factories and ongoing political tensions from a Liberal Party lawsuit accusing fiscal maneuvers, as previously reported.
