Why is Gripen being chosen now?
・After all, it’s the Gripen
・Exploring the reason
Summary from the article published in Norimono News.
Gripen is very popular around the world:
Why are the latest Gripen models being introduced in South America one after another?
Swedish government:
On April 10, 2025, the government approved the sale of the Saab JAS39E/F “Gripen E/F” to Peru.
Also on April 3, Colombian President Gustav Pedro also adopted the JAS39E/F as his next-generation fighter jet.
What is the JAS39E/F:
It is an improved version of the JAS39 “Gripen” developed in the 1980s.
JAS39E stands for single-seater, and JAS39F stands for two-seater.
Appearance of the JAS39E/F:
The appearance of the Gripen E/F looks very similar to the JAS39.
1. The overall length has been increased from 14.9m for the JAS39 to 15.2m.
2. The overall width has also been increased by approximately 20cm.
An additional fuel tank has been added to extend the flight range and increase the amount of armament carried.
JAS39 engine:
1. The same engine as that used in the F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force.
There is a license-produced version of the F404 turbofan engine.
2. The latest Gripen E/F is the same as that used in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
It is equipped with a license-produced version of the F414 turbofan engine.
The Gripen E/F is equipped with supercruise:
The lightweight aircraft is combined with the F414 engine, which is more powerful than the F404.
1. The Gripen E/F has the same performance as the F-22 and others.
2. It has the “supercruise” capability, which allows it to fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners.
The Gripen E/F is equipped with an “AESA radar”:
1. The Gripen E/F is equipped with an AESA radar that allows for wide-range search and targeting.
2. It combines information collected by radar and IRST (infrared search and track).
he Gripen E/F’s “data fusion” capability:
1. “Data fusion” is automatically displayed to the pilot by the computer.
2. Of the fighter aircraft currently available, this capability is only possessed by the F-35 and Gripen E/F.
Reasons for Peru and Colombia’s adoption of the Gripen:
1. The Gripen E/F’s high capabilities offer great benefits.
2. Moreover, the fact that it is produced in South America, Brazil, worked to their advantage.
Brazil’s track record of Gripen adoption:
1. Brazil already adopted 28 Gripen E and 8 Gripen F aircraft in 2014.
2. 15 Gripen E aircraft were manufactured on the Embraer production line in Brazil in 2023.
Visit to Linköping, Sweden:
The author visited Linköping, the headquarters of Saab’s aircraft division, in May 2016.
Brazilian engineers are being trained here for the Gripen E/F production.
Brazil manufactures for Peru and Colombia:
Saab has made it clear that it intends to export aircraft manufactured in Brazil.
1. It is not just that they are manufactured in a geographically close location.
2. There are many engineers who have been educated in Sweden for nearly 10 years.
In the unlikely event of a problem, a quick response can be expected.
Thailand has already decided to introduce the Gripen E/F:
The Gripen E/F was also adopted in Thailand in August 2024.
Gripen operation record in the Royal Thai Air Force:
1. The Royal Thai Air Force operates the Gripen C/D, the predecessor model of the Gripen E/F.
2. Trust and familiarity with Saab military aircraft also worked in the Gripen E/F’s favor.
Operation costs (fuel and repair costs) are significantly cheaper than the US F-16V.
Now is the time to take the world by storm:
One of the advantages of the Gripen E/F is that it can be equipped with a variety of weapons.
Portuguese government’s new fighter jet:
Instead of introducing the F-35A as a new fighter jet, the Gripen E/F is being considered as an alternative.
Canadian government’s new fighter jet:
Of the 88 new fighter jets, 16 already under contract will be introduced as F-35As.
However, the remaining 72 are under consideration for switching to the Gripen E/F.
Swiss government’s new fighter jet:
In 2022, Switzerland has decided to introduce 36 F-35As.
Results of a public opinion poll in March 2025:
However, 66% of respondents said they did not want the F-35A to be introduced.
Will the Swiss government reconsider introducing the F-35A?
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/54d3b0ca6995eb532fb1f126247f052a7bb2553e?page=2