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Gripen E vs JAS 39 Gripen: Sweden’s Next-Gen Fighter Evolution Explained

Gripen E vs JAS 39 Gripen: Sweden’s Next-Gen Fighter Evolution Explained

Gripen E vs JAS 39 Gripen

The Saab Gripen family represents Sweden’s vision of affordable, high-performance air defense. The original JAS 39 Gripen, introduced in the 1990s, became a symbol of Nordic efficiency — a lightweight, multirole fighter combining agility, low operating cost, and advanced avionics. However, the modern battlefield demanded more: longer range, stronger radar, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. Enter the Gripen E, Saab’s next-generation evolution designed to rival top-tier fighters like the F-35 and Rafale. Built primarily for Sweden and Brazil, the Gripen E integrates state-of-the-art sensors, new avionics architecture, and greater payload flexibility. This comparison explores how the Gripen E transforms the legacy of the JAS 39 Gripen into a true 21st-century combat platform ready for the future of air warfare.

Gripen E vs JAS 39 Gripen Compare

Gripen E vs JAS 39 Gripen: Key Upgrades and Differences

Specification	Gripen E (JAS 39E)	JAS 39 Gripen (C/D Variant)
Engine	General Electric F414G (22,000 lbf)	Volvo RM12 (18,100 lbf)
Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0	Mach 2.0
Combat Radius	~800 miles (1,300 km)	~500 miles (800 km)
Avionics	New digital avionics architecture with distributed computing	Federated mission systems
Radar	AESA Raven ES-05	PS-05/A Pulse-Doppler
EW Suite	Integrated EW system with DRFM technology	Basic RWR and ECM systems
Weapons Load	10 hardpoints	8 hardpoints
Maximum Takeoff Weight	16,500 kg	14,000 kg
Cockpit	Full-glass cockpit with large-area display	Conventional multi-display layout

The Gripen E marks a significant leap in capability. Its F414G engine delivers 25% more thrust, while the AESA radar and advanced electronic warfare suite provide unmatched situational awareness in contested airspace. The new avionics core uses distributed computing, enabling faster mission updates and software upgrades — key for 5th-generation adaptability. Meanwhile, the older JAS 39C/D remains a reliable, cost-effective multirole platform for NATO partners and smaller air forces, maintaining high readiness and low lifecycle costs.

The Gripen E is not merely an upgraded JAS 39—it’s a complete generational shift designed to keep Sweden’s Air Force and its allies competitive through the 2030s. With a stronger engine, expanded payload, and advanced sensor fusion, the Gripen E delivers far greater endurance and electronic dominance than its predecessor. Its new architecture also enables faster system integration, allowing customers to tailor capabilities without relying on external vendors—a major advantage for export markets like Brazil.

The JAS 39C/D, however, still excels in affordability, ease of maintenance, and proven reliability. For nations prioritizing budget efficiency and interoperability, it remains a world-class option. In pure performance terms, the Gripen E is clearly superior—faster, smarter, and more future-proof. But both aircraft embody Saab’s design philosophy: maximum capability with minimum cost. Together, they secure Sweden’s place among the leaders in modern combat aviation.

	Gripen E Fighter Jet JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Jet

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.0
Brand	Saab Saab
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	JAS 39E Gripen (Gripen E) JAS 39 Gripen
Manufacturer	Saab AB Saab AB
Country of Origin	Sweden Sweden
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter Jet Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5 4.5
Status	In Production / Active Service In Service
First Flight	June 15, 2017 December 9, 1988
Introduction / In Service Since	2023 1997
Number Built	60+ (Orders in progress) 300+
Operators	Sweden, Brazil Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil

Dimensions & Structure

Length	15.2 m (49.8 ft) 14.1 m (46.3 ft)
Wingspan	8.6 m (28.2 ft) 8.4 m (27.6 ft)
Height	4.5 m (14.7 ft) 4.5 m (14.8 ft)
Wing Area	30 m² 30 m²
Empty Weight	8,000 kg 6,800 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	16,500 kg 14,000 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None None
External Hardpoints	10 8–10

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0 Mach 2.0
Range	1,600 km 2,000 km (1,240 mi) with drop tanks
Combat Radius	800 km 800 km (497 mi)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m) 50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Rate of Climb	15,000 m/min 50,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.97 0.97
G Limits	+9 / -3 +9 / -3

Powerplant

Engine Type	GE F414G afterburning turbofan Volvo RM12 (GE F404 derivative)
No. of Engines	1 1
Thrust (each)	22,000 lbf (98 kN) 18,100 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No No
Fuel Capacity	3,400 kg (internal) 2,800 kg internal

Armament

Gun	27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon 1× 27 mm Mauser BK-27 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	Meteor, IRIS-T, AIM-9, AIM-120 AMRAAM AIM-9, AIM-120, IRIS-T, Meteor
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	RBS-15, AGM-65 Maverick AGM-65, RBS-15, Brimstone
Bombs	Paveway II/III, JDAM, Mk 82/83/84 Paveway, Mk 82/83, JDAM
Hardpoints	10 8–10
Payload Capacity	6,000 kg (13,200 lb) 5,300 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	Selex ES Raven ES-05 AESA PS-05/A or Raven ES-05 AESA
Radar Range	160+ km 100+ miles
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Saab Arexis Integrated EW Suite Integrated Self-Protection Suite
Targeting System	IRST + Litening Targeting Pod Litening / Reccelite pods
Helmet Display	Targo II HMD Cobra HMDS
Navigation	GPS/INS Hybrid GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Yes (Advanced Digital Flight Control) Digital Flight Control System
Communication	Link 16, Secure Datalink, SATCOM Secure Datalink & SATCOM

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Reduced, non-stealth (~1 m² class) ~1 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent materials and design Reduced signature design
Infrared Signature Reduction	Yes Partial
Sensor Fusion	Full 360° sensor fusion system Yes
Networking Capabilities	Network-Centric Warfare, Link 16, SwAF Data Link NATO Link 16 compatible

Variants

Special Export Versions

Brazilian Gripen F with local avionics Gripen NG (Brazil)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	None (peace-time operational) NATO Baltic Air Policing, UN operations
Notable Operators	Sweden, Brazil Sweden, Brazil, Czech Republic
Combat Proven?	Not yet Limited combat use
Mission Types	Air Superiority, Strike, Reconnaissance, Maritime Patrol Air defense, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$85 million (approximate) $30–60 million (variant-dependent)
Development Cost	$2+ billion ~$10 billion (total program)
Program Name	Gripen E/F Program Gripen Program
Funding Countries	Sweden, Brazil Sweden, Brazil

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Enhanced EW, AI-assisted avionics, new weapon integration AESA radar, AI-based systems
Future Replacement	Swedish next-generation stealth fighter (FCAS concept) TBD by Swedish Air Force
Export Restrictions	Moderate Minimal
Notable Achievements	Lowest operational cost in 4.5-gen class Cost-effective multirole fighter
Competitors	Dassault Rafale, F-16V, Tejas Mk1A, JAS 39C/D F-16V, Rafale, Tejas Mk1A

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