The JAS-39 Gripen: Sweden’s 4+ Generation Wild Card
March 3/16: Rheinmetall has been contracted 
by Saab to supply 88 BK27 automatic cannons for the latest Gripen NGs. 36 of the jets fitted with the cannon will be destined for the Brazilian Air Force. The cost of the deal has been said to be in the mid-8 figure euro amount, and delivery will take place between 2017-2025. The latest cannons feature a newly developed linkless ammunition feeding system. A linked ammunition-feeding version of the cannon features as the standard weapon in the Eurofighter Typhoon.
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As a neutral country with a long history of providing for its own defense against all comers, Sweden also has a long tradition of building excellent high-performance fighters with a distinctive look. From the long-serving Saab-35 Draken (“Dragon,” 1955-2005) to the Mach 2, canard-winged Saab-37 Viggen (“Thunderbolt,” 1971-2005), Swedish fighters have stressed short-field launch from dispersed/improvised air fields, world-class performance, and leading-edge design. This record of consistent project success is nothing short of amazing, especially for a country whose population over this period has ranged from 7-9 million people.
This is DID’s FOCUS Article for background, news, and contract awards related to the JAS-39 Gripen (“Griffon”), a canard-winged successor to the Viggen and one of the world’s first 4+ generation fighters. Gripen remains the only lightweight 4+ generation fighter type in service, its performance and operational economics are both world-class, and it has become one of the most recognized fighter aircraft on the planet. Unfortunately for its builders, that recognition has come from its appearance in Saab and Volvo TV commercials, rather than from hoped-for levels of military export success. With its 4+ generation competitors clustered in the $60-120+ million range vs. the Gripen’s claimed $40-60 million, is there a light at the end of the tunnel for Sweden’s lightweight fighter? In 2013 a win in Brazil started to answer that question.
JAS-39: The Gripen Program
Saab’s JAS-39A-D Gripens
Partnerships & Production
JAS-39 Gripen: The Way Forward
The Next Gripens: Industrial
Future Gripens?
Export Opportunities
JAS-39 Gripen: Major Events
2014 – 2016
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2009
2007
2006 and earlier
JAS-39 Gripen: Contracts & Awards
2014
2012 – 2013
2010 – 2011
2008 – 2009
2007 and Earlier
End notes
Additional Readings & Sources
JAS-39 Gripen: The Platform
Peer Competitors
Export Competitions: Highlights
News & Views
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IRIS-Ts, Meteors, GBU-10s
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c. Gripen International
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c. Gripen International
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c. Gripen International
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(c) Gripen International
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