The JAS 39 Gripen is considered by many to be one of the finest 4th-generation fighters produced in Europe and, according to many experts, a possible replacement for the F-35.
Combining speed, technology, and maneuverability, the Gripen is a reliable and cost-effective multirole fighter.
Designed to replace the Saab 37 Viggen, the Gripen is the latest and greatest fighter produced by Sweeden. Its design and history reflects Sweeden’s strategic strategy of independent self-defense.
The Birth of the JAS 39 Gripen
Throughout the Cold War, Sweden’s defense strategy emphasized the ability to defend its territory independently, without relying on foreign powers. This required a new aircraft that could perform multiple roles, air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance, while being cost-effective and capable of operating from short, makeshift runways. This concept led to the creation of the JAS program, with “JAS” standing for Jakt Attack Spaning.
In 1982, the Swedish government awarded the development contract to Industrigruppen JAS, a consortium led by Saab AB. The goal was to produce a highly versatile aircraft that incorporated all the greatest design elements from its predecessors, including a fly-by-wire control system, a canard-delta wing configuration for superior agility, and advanced avionics.
Off to a Rough Start
The first prototype of the Gripen, designated JAS 39A, took to the skies on December 9, 1988. However, the early stages of the program were not without difficulties. One prototype crashed due to software issues, which caused delays and raised concerns about the aircraft’s safety. Saab responded swiftly, addressing the problems and resuming flight testing. These early challenges ultimately led to a more robust and reliable design.
The Gripen officially entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. The initial variants included the single-seat JAS 39A and the two-seat JAS 39B, which was primarily used for training and systems development. These models were praised for their agility, low operating costs, and ease of maintenance. They were also designed to be interoperable with NATO systems, a strategic decision that would later facilitate international sales.
The Gripen Takes Off
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Saab began marketing the Gripen to international customers. The aircraft found success in several countries, including Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa, and Thailand. These deals often included technology transfer agreements and local production partnerships, which made the Gripen an attractive option for countries looking to develop their own aerospace industries. One of the most significant international partnerships was with Brazil, which not only purchased the aircraft but also became a development partner for the next-generation Gripen E.
To remain competitive in the evolving global defense market, Saab introduced the Gripen C and D variants in the early 2000s. These models featured improved avionics, in-flight refueling capability, and enhanced compatibility with NATO weapons and systems. The Gripen C/D also supported a broader range of armaments, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile, which significantly increased its combat effectiveness. These upgrades positioned the Gripen as a formidable competitor to other fourth-generation fighters like the F-16 and Mirage 2000.
From JAS 39A to Gripen E
IN the 2010s, Sweden realized that the Gripen was in need of further modernization. As a result, Saab launched the Gripen NG (Next Generation) program, which later evolved into the Gripen E (single-seat) and Gripen F (two-seat) variants.
These aircraft were a significant leap in technology compared to their previous variants. The Gripen E features a more powerful General Electric F414G engine, increased fuel capacity for extended range, and a larger fuselage to accommodate additional avionics and weapons. It is equipped with the Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, the Skyward-G infrared search and track (IRST) system, and a state-of-the-art electronic warfare suite.
The Gripen E made its first flight in 2017, and deliveries to the Swedish and Brazilian air forces began in 2019. These aircraft are expected to remain in service for decades, with Saab continuing to invest in upgrades and new technologies. The Gripen’s design philosophy emphasizes modularity and adaptability, allowing for rapid integration of new systems and capabilities. This makes it well-suited for a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare.
Why the JAS 39 Gripen is so Popular Despite Lacking Stealth
One of the reasons that the Gripen has become so beloved is because of its cost-effectiveness. When designing the fighter, Saab has prioritized ease of maintenance and high sortie rates, enabling the aircraft to be operated with minimal ground support.
It can be refueled and rearmed in under ten minutes by a small crew, making it ideal for dispersed operations in austere environments. These features have made the Gripen particularly attractive to countries with limited defense budgets but high operational demands.
Despite its many strengths, the Gripen program has also had its share of setbacks. It competes in a crowded market against well-established aircraft from the US, Russia, and France. Additionally, the Gripen lacks the stealth capabilities of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35, which can be a disadvantage in certain scenarios. Nevertheless, the Gripen is positioned as a pragmatic alternative for nations that do not require or cannot afford stealth aircraft.
No wonder Canada is mentioned so much as a nation that could fly the JAS 39.
JAS 39 Photo Essay
JAS 39 Gripen over a Road. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
JAS 39 Gripen. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
JAS 39 Gripen. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
JAS 39 Gripen. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
JAS 39 Gripen over the Ocean. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
