Whatever your past the future is Gripen
By selecting Gripen to equip your air force, you are acquiring the most capable cost-effective, new generation, true multirole fighter available. As Gripen was the first new generation fighter in operational service, it delivers the highest sortie generation rates, greatest flexibility of basing and combat lethality superior to any fighter in its class.
Image: Peter Karlsson, Svarteld.
The intelligent use of advanced technology and where possible, the use of software to provide functionality ensures that Gripen maintains its combat supremacy via planned technology insertion through decades of frontline service. So whether you intend to complement your existing fighter fleet or introduce new, fully autonomous units, Gripen will meet or exceed your expectations. Welcome to the future of flexible, integrated and networked combat power.
National defence is largely dependent on control of air space
Incorporating the latest technology, Gripen is designed to meet both existing and future challenges to that authority. Meeting stringent requirements in terms of flight safety, availability, agility, training and life cycle cost, Gripen represents the ultimate in operational efficiency. In short, Gripen is a supportable front line fighter capable of fulfilling a range of roles, either alone or as part of a wider defence network. State-of-the-art technology, modern materials, integrated computer systems and advanced aerodynamics have produced a high performance fighter with a low life cycle cost. Always at the forefront of innovation, the advances which we are committed to sharing with our partners and customers ensure the long-term future and sustainability of Gripen.
Cost-effective, reliable, versatile and with a significant built-in growth potential, Gripen is both fully NATO and globally interoperable.
Image: Photo Katsuhiko Tokunaga.
In service
The aircraft is currently in service with and alongside NATO member forces. 204 aircraft are on order for Sweden, including 28 fully combat-capable two-seater fighters. Gripen has also established itself as an export success. South Africa has contracted 26 Gripen fighters to replace its existing frontline fighters. Deliveries commenced in 2008. 14 Gripens have been delivered to the Czech Republic enabling fulfilment of its commitment to NATO to police its own sovereign airspace. Another NATO member, Hungary, has also taken delivery of 14 Gripens.
The backbone
Early in 2008 the Thai Air Force signed a contract for purchasing six Gripen fighters as part of an integrated air defence system solution. Gripen will remain the backbone of the Swedish, Czech, Hungarian, South African and Thai Air Forces for up to the next thirty years.
The UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is also operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots from around the world.
Providing the latest defence systems
Saab qualifies as a world leader in the supply of weapon systems. By virtue of our heritage and experience, we can provide the latest defence systems customized to your requirements, regardless of mission area, climate, or theatre of operation.