Sweden has officially taken delivery of its first Saab Gripen E multirole fighter, marking a historic step in the nation’s long-term defence modernisation and reaffirming its strategic independence in advanced combat aviation. The handover took place at F 7 Skaraborg Wing, the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen conversion and training centre, in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, FMV, and Saab.
“This represents an important milestone in the development of Swedish defence,” said Commander-in-Chief General Michael Claesson. “Gripen E strengthens our national defence capability to meet future threats together with our allies.”
The Next Generation of Gripen
Part of a 60-aircraft order placed in 2013, the Gripen E introduces major advancements in range, survivability, situational awareness, and interoperability.
While preserving the hallmark delta-canard agility of its predecessors, the Gripen E is a fundamentally new system built to thrive in contested, multi-domain environments.
Key features include:
-
25% more thrust from the GE F414-G engine, delivering higher climb rate and acceleration.
-
40% longer range, extending combat radius to approximately 800 NM (1,500 km).
-
Raven ES-05 AESA radar and Skyward-G IRST, providing 360° situational awareness.
-
Network-centric architecture enabling seamless data fusion and integration with NATO and partner assets.
-
Expanded weapons compatibility, including Meteor BVRAAM, IRIS-T, AIM-9X, JDAM, and future long-range munitions.
-
Advanced pilot-vehicle interface with wide-area touchscreen and helmet-mounted sight for rapid decision-making.
Colonel Mattias Ottis, Commander of the Skaraborg Air Flotilla, described the aircraft as “a completely new system—built to meet future demands for survivability, sensors and collaboration.”
Operational Transition
Swedish pilots will continue flying the JAS 39 C/D Gripen alongside the new E variant during a phased transition to full operational capability by 2027, with the entire 60-aircraft fleet expected to be delivered by 2030.
The Gripen E is specifically designed for dispersed operations, capable of take-off from short runways or roads and maintaining mission effectiveness even under electronic interference or surveillance.
Global Momentum
Beyond Sweden, Brazil operates the Gripen E/F under a joint industrial programme with Embraer, while Thailand and Colombia have committed to future acquisitions. Saab continues to engage with several NATO and international partners seeking high-capability, cost-efficient fighters with open-architecture flexibility.
A European Success Story
For Saab and Sweden, the Gripen E is more than a next-generation fighter — it is a strategic enabler of European aerospace sovereignty, combining advanced systems integration, affordability, and rapid adaptability.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson called it “a defining moment for Sweden’s defence and for Saab’s long-term role as a European aircraft manufacturer.”
About the Author
