Saab JAS 39 Gripen

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen, developed by the Swedish aerospace firm Saab Group, entered service in 1996 as a lightweight, multirole combat aircraft designed to replace the aging Viggen fleet. Its development began in the early 1980s under the “Advanced Fighter” program, and the prototype first flew in 1988. The Gripen’s naming convention—JAS stands for Jakt (air‑to‑air), Attack (air‑to‑ground) and Sektor (electronic warfare)—reflects its intended versatility. Powered by a single Volvo‑RM12 after‑burning turbofan, the aircraft achieves supersonic speed while maintaining low operating costs through a modular design, quick turnaround times, and the ability to operate from short, austere runways, including roadways. Advanced avionics feature a glass cockpit, active electronically scanned array radar, and a data‑link network that enables network‑centric warfare. Over 250 units have been delivered to the air forces of Sweden, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (through a leasing arrangement). The Gripen’s emphasis on cost‑efficiency, interoperability and rapid upgrade cycles has made it a benchmark for modern fourth‑generation fighters, influencing procurement decisions worldwide and reinforcing Sweden’s reputation as an innovative leader in military aviation.

Saab Group

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