State-of-the-art Technology
Gripen stays up-to-date until 2040 and beyond – thanks to the latest technology. Gripen was designed so it can be adapted at any time to the changing threats and operational requirements faced by a modern air force.
Image: Photo Swiss Airforce.
Gripen operated through at least 2040
Many of Gripen's special features have been integrated into the software, so changes and enhancements can usually be made without expensive hardware modifications.
The ease and cost effectiveness of adding new operational capabilities to Gripen as well as its proven low operating, support and total lifecycle cost makes it the best suitable fighter for Switzerland. A recent formal Swedish government decision confirmed that Gripen will be developed and kept up to date with the latest technological standards ensuring that it can be effectively and efficiently operated by the Swedish Air Force through at least 2040. This decision was based upon the ease and cost effectiveness of adding new operational capabilities to Gripen as well as its proven low operating, support and total lifecycle cost. Gripen is continuously being developed.
Gripen will exceed both the initial and future Swiss requirements
The configuration being offered to Switzerland is the same as that used by the Swedish Air Force. Thus, with the new features and capabilities being introduced throughout its service life being available to Switzerland too, Gripen will exceed both the initial and future Swiss requirements.
Gripen is designed and continuously updated for combat in the 21sth Century Net Centric Warfare (NCW) environment. The aircraft’s flexible and modular design makes continuous development and enhancement both low risk and cost effective.
Gripen the leading edge of technology
The ongoing Gripen Demonstrator programme will ensure that Gripen remains at the leading edge of technology for many years to come. The purpose of the Gripen Demonstrator Programme is to demonstrate the capabilities that may be included in the current or future versions of Gripen. In addition to the already proven ability to supercruise, the Gripen Demonstrator is equipped with more internal fuel for longer endurance capacity and it has also been modified with a number of tactical systems such as AESA radar, a new satellite communication system and an electro-optical Missile Approach Warning System.