Saab Secures New Gripen C/D Contract to Strengthen Sweden’s Air Capabilities
Saab has received an additional order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to continue the development and integration of the multi-role fighter Gripen C/D. This contract extension, valued at 466 million Swedish kronor (SEK), highlights Sweden’s commitment to modernizing its air defense capabilities by integrating new missile systems.
According to Saab, these funds will be used to implement significant updates and study the integration of future air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, thereby significantly expanding the operational range of the Gripen C/D fleet. Lars Tossman, Director of the Aeronautics Division at Saab, stated: “The Gripen C/D contract extension marks an important step for our defense. The integration of new advanced missile systems reflects our commitment to providing high-quality solutions. We are proud to contribute to Sweden’s defense capabilities through this contract.”
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Swedish manufacturer Saab, which made its first flight in 1988 and entered service in 1996. It is designed to perform a variety of missions, ranging from air defense to ground attack, while also being capable of reconnaissance missions. This model was designed to be versatile and extremely maneuverable, with a particular focus on its low radar signature and ability to operate from minimally equipped air bases.
The Gripen is powered by a turbofan engine with afterburner, the Volvo Aero RM12, which provides a thrust of 50.4 kN (80.5 kN with afterburner), and the improved Gripen E/F version uses a more powerful General Electric F414 engine. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 (2,125 km/h) and a cruising speed of Mach 1.1, enabling it to move quickly and carry out interceptions effectively. With a range of 800 km for the standard version and up to 1,300 km for the Gripen E/F, this aircraft is capable of conducting operations over long distances.
The configuration of the Gripen varies slightly between its different versions, including the Gripen C/E and Gripen D/F, depending on the crew size and specific capabilities. Its design allows it to be operated with either a single pilot or two, depending on the variant. The aircraft has a wingspan of 8.4 m, which increases to 8.6 m for the Gripen E/F model, and a length of 14.1 m for the base version, extending to 15.9 m for the two-seat version. The aircraft has an empty weight of 6,600 kg, which can increase to 13,971 kg at takeoff, with a maximum capacity of 16,500 kg for the more advanced Gripen E/F version.
In terms of armament, the Gripen is equipped with an internal 27mm cannon and can carry up to 4,200 kg of payload on 6 pylons and 2 missile rails, with an enhanced payload capacity of 5,300 kg for the Gripen NG, which can carry a greater variety of external munitions and missile systems. This flexibility allows the Gripen to meet a wide range of operational needs, from air combat to precision strikes.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is thus a modern, highly capable aircraft that can adapt to various mission requirements while remaining relatively affordable and operational in diverse conditions, making it a preferred choice for many air forces worldwide.
This extension will allow the Gripen C/D to remain a cornerstone of Sweden’s military capabilities for many years. By modernizing its existing fleet with cutting-edge weapons systems and technologies, Sweden aims to maintain a strong and sustainable air defense, tailored to meet both current and future operational needs.