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JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Jet

JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Jet

Brand: Saab
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range 100+ miles

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	JAS 39 Gripen
Manufacturer	Saab AB
Country of Origin	Sweden
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5
Status	In Service
First Flight	December 9, 1988
Introduction / In Service Since	1997
Number Built	300+
Operators	Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil

Dimensions & Structure

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

Performance

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

Powerplant

Engine Type	Volvo RM12 (GE F404 derivative)
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	18,100 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	2,800 kg internal

Armament

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

Avionics & Systems

Radar	PS-05/A or Raven ES-05 AESA
Radar Range	100+ miles
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated Self-Protection Suite
Targeting System	Litening / Reccelite pods
Helmet Display	Cobra HMDS
Navigation	GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Digital Flight Control System
Communication	Secure Datalink & SATCOM

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~1 m²
Stealth Features	Reduced signature design
Infrared Signature Reduction	Partial
Sensor Fusion	Yes
Networking Capabilities	NATO Link 16 compatible

Variants

Special Export Versions

Gripen NG (Brazil)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	NATO Baltic Air Policing, UN operations
Notable Operators	Sweden, Brazil, Czech Republic
Combat Proven?	Limited combat use
Mission Types	Air defense, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$30–60 million (variant-dependent)
Development Cost	~$10 billion (total program)
Program Name	Gripen Program
Funding Countries	Sweden, Brazil

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	AESA radar, AI-based systems
Future Replacement	TBD by Swedish Air Force
Export Restrictions	Minimal
Notable Achievements	Cost-effective multirole fighter
Competitors	F-16V, Rafale, Tejas Mk1A

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Excellent cost-to-performance ratio
Highly agile and easy to maintain
Advanced AESA radar and EW systems
NATO interoperability and datalink support
Proven export success and reliability

CONS

Limited stealth characteristics
Smaller payload compared to heavy fighters
Single-engine design reduces redundancy
Limited combat range without external tanks
Fewer global operators than U.S. or Russian jets

JAS 39 Gripen Multirole Fighter Jet | Full Specifications

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is Sweden’s premier multirole combat aircraft, engineered by Saab AB to deliver exceptional performance, agility, and affordability. Developed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen, the Gripen entered service in the late 1990s and has since evolved into one of the most capable 4.5-generation fighters in operation today.

Designed for air superiority, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions, the Gripen combines advanced technology with low maintenance requirements—making it a cost-effective option for smaller and emerging air forces. It is currently operated by several nations, including Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Thailand, and Brazil.

Powered by a Volvo RM12 engine, derived from the General Electric F404, the Gripen can reach speeds up to Mach 2 with a combat radius of approximately 497 miles (800 km). The aircraft features digital fly-by-wire controls, an AESA radar, and network-centric warfare capabilities, allowing seamless integration with NATO and allied systems.

The Gripen’s modular design supports a wide variety of payloads, from AIM-120 AMRAAM and Meteor air-to-air missiles to precision-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles. The latest Gripen E/F variant incorporates improved avionics, an extended range, and an enhanced Electronic Warfare (EW) suite capable of countering modern threats.

JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Jet Price in US

The JAS 39 Gripen’s estimated unit price ranges between $30 million and $60 million, depending on the variant and configuration. Its relatively low acquisition and operating costs make it a highly competitive option for air forces seeking advanced capability without fifth-generation expenses.

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