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Saab Secures New Gripen C/D Contract to Strengthen Sweden's Air Capabilities.
Saab has received an additional order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to continue the development and integration of the multi-role fighter Gripen C/D. This contract extension, valued at 466 million Swedish kronor (SEK), highlights Sweden's commitment to modernizing its air defense capabilities by integrating new missile systems.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Swedish manufacturer Saab. (Picture source: SAAB)
According to Saab, these funds will be used to implement significant updates and study the integration of future air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, thereby significantly expanding the operational range of the Gripen C/D fleet. Lars Tossman, Director of the Aeronautics Division at Saab, stated: "The Gripen C/D contract extension marks an important step for our defense. The integration of new advanced missile systems reflects our commitment to providing high-quality solutions. We are proud to contribute to Sweden's defense capabilities through this contract."
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by the Swedish manufacturer Saab, which made its first flight in 1988 and entered service in 1996. It is designed to perform a variety of missions, ranging from air defense to ground attack, while also being capable of reconnaissance missions. This model was designed to be versatile and extremely maneuverable, with a particular focus on its low radar signature and ability to operate from minimally equipped air bases.
The Gripen is powered by a turbofan engine with afterburner, the Volvo Aero RM12, which provides a thrust of 50.4 kN (80.5 kN with afterburner), and the improved Gripen E/F version uses a more powerful General Electric F414 engine. It can reach a maximum speed of Mach 2 (2,125 km/h) and a cruising speed of Mach 1.1, enabling it to move quickly and carry out interceptions effectively. With a range of 800 km for the standard version and up to 1,300 km for the Gripen E/F, this aircraft is capable of conducting operations over long distances.
The configuration of the Gripen varies slightly between its different versions, including the Gripen C/E and Gripen D/F, depending on the crew size and specific capabilities. Its design allows it to be operated with either a single pilot or two, depending on the variant. The aircraft has a wingspan of 8.4 m, which increases to 8.6 m for the Gripen E/F model, and a length of 14.1 m for the base version, extending to 15.9 m for the two-seat version. The aircraft has an empty weight of 6,600 kg, which can increase to 13,971 kg at takeoff, with a maximum capacity of 16,500 kg for the more advanced Gripen E/F version.
In terms of armament, the Gripen is equipped with an internal 27mm cannon and can carry up to 4,200 kg of payload on 6 pylons and 2 missile rails, with an enhanced payload capacity of 5,300 kg for the Gripen NG, which can carry a greater variety of external munitions and missile systems. This flexibility allows the Gripen to meet a wide range of operational needs, from air combat to precision strikes.
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is thus a modern, highly capable aircraft that can adapt to various mission requirements while remaining relatively affordable and operational in diverse conditions, making it a preferred choice for many air forces worldwide.
This extension will allow the Gripen C/D to remain a cornerstone of Sweden's military capabilities for many years. By modernizing its existing fleet with cutting-edge weapons systems and technologies, Sweden aims to maintain a strong and sustainable air defense, tailored to meet both current and future operational needs.