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JAS 39E/F Gripen Fighter Jet

JAS 39E/F Gripen Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Saab
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5+
Maximum Speed Mach 2+
No. of Engines 1
Radar Range 200+ km (AESA dependent)

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen
Manufacturer	Saab AB
Country of Origin	Sweden
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5+
Status	In production / entering service
First Flight	Gripen E (2017)
Introduction / In Service Since	2021
Number Built	300+ across Gripen family
Operators	Sweden, Brazil (initial deliveries)

Dimensions & Structure

Length	49 ft (15.2 m)
Wingspan	27.6 ft (8.4 m)
Height	14.8 ft (4.5 m)
Wing Area	312 sq ft (29 m²)
Empty Weight	~16,000 lb (7,200 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	37,500 lb (17,000 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	10

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2+
Range	2,500+ km with tanks
Combat Radius	~800 km
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Rate of Climb	45,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	~1.04
G Limits	+9G

Powerplant

Engine Type	GE F414-G Turbofan
No. of Engines	1
Thrust (each)	~22,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	Internal 7,000+ lb

Armament

Gun	27mm Mauser BK-27
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	Meteor, IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	SPEAR, AGM-65, guided strike weapons
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway
Hardpoints	10
Payload Capacity	~13,200 lb (6,000 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	ES-05 Raven AESA
Radar Range	ES-05 Raven AESA
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	Integrated self-protection suite
Targeting System	IRST + sensor fusion
Helmet Display	Wide-area HMD
Navigation	GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced flight management
Communication	Secure tactical data-link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Reduced (non-stealth)
Stealth Features	Shaping + EW masking
Infrared Signature Reduction	Moderate
Sensor Fusion	Multi-sensor integration
Networking Capabilities	Distributed combat cloud

Variants

Special Export Versions

Proposed but not adopted

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Limited
Notable Operators	Sweden, Brazil
Combat Proven?	Limited
Mission Types	Air defense, patrol, strike, training

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$85 million (varies)
Development Cost	National + partnered investment
Program Name	Gripen NG
Funding Countries	Sweden, Brazil

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	EW upgrades, added weapons
Future Replacement	TBD post-2040
Export Restrictions	Swedish-controlled
Notable Achievements	Lowest operating cost in modern fighter class
Competitors	F-16V, Rafale, Eurofighter, KF-21

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.2

Technology 9 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Low operating and maintenance cost
Advanced AESA radar and EW suite
Compatible with Meteor long-range missile
Short runway and dispersed operations capable
Modular avionics for frequent upgrade cycles

CONS

Limited stealth characteristics
Smaller payload than heavy fighters
Fewer global operators than competitors
No U.S. procurement prospects
Limited combat record

Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen Next-Gen Multirole Fighter

The Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen represents the latest evolution of Sweden’s lightweight multirole fighter program, designed to deliver high-end air combat capability with low operating cost and rapid deployment flexibility. Developed by Saab and supported by Swedish and Brazilian industrial partners, the Gripen E (single-seat) and Gripen F (twin-seat) variants were engineered to meet modern air defense requirements, including beyond-visual-range engagements, precision strike, electronic warfare, and network-centric operations.

Powered by the GE F414-G engine, the aircraft reaches speeds exceeding Mach 2 while maintaining exceptional fuel efficiency and sustained maneuverability. The Gripen E/F incorporates the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, IRST sensor suite, and a cutting-edge electronic warfare system designed to detect, jam, and counter advanced air threats. Its modular avionics architecture allows rapid upgrade cycles, reducing long-term support costs and enhancing lifecycle relevance.

With a combat radius exceeding 800 km and compatibility with a wide range of NATO and non-NATO munitions—including Meteor, IRIS-T, AMRAAM, SPEAR, and precision-guided bombs—the aircraft offers remarkable flexibility. The Gripen F two-seat model supports training, strike coordination, and mission command roles for nations developing next-generation air forces.

Saab JAS 39E/F Price

Saab JAS 39E/F Gripen price in the US market context varies depending on configuration and support packages, but the platform is widely regarded as one of the most cost-efficient Western-aligned fighter solutions. Its lifecycle affordability, dispersed operations capability, and short runway performance make it attractive to nations seeking modern airpower without the expense of heavy fifth-generation fleets. For U.S. defense observers, the Gripen E/F serves as a benchmark comparison for lightweight fighter programs and export-focused air combat solutions worldwide.

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