Swedish Air Force JAS 39 Gripen
The JAS 39 Gripen multi-role fighter is the latest in a long line of outstanding jet combat aircraft produced by Swedish manufacturer Saab. However, it differs from its stablemates in having achieved a good deal of international sales success, apart from being procured by the Swedish Air Force. The Gripen prototype first flew towards the end of 1988; Sweden bought an initial 204 examples of the single-seat JAS 39A and two-seat B models, these forming a smaller fleet (divided between three wings) following defence cuts. Sweden has announced that it has ordered the so-called 'Next Generation' Gripen, the JAS 39E and F models.
