In the mid-1960s the Swedes started looking for a replacement for the aging Saab Safir training aircraft. Talks were well underway to buy the Scottish Aviation Bulldog when Saab proposed the MFI-15. This offer was soon rejected as the shoulder high-wing was considered unsuitable for flight training. However, Saab were still convinced they had a great aeroplane and it first flew in July 1969. Thereafter the company also produced a military version, the MFI-17, and targeted the export market. In January 2024, this MFI-15 prototype arrived at Aeroseum from Linköping and is now on display.

Ex SE-301, the Safari prototype, now stored at Sweden's Flygvapenmuseum in Linkoping.