SAAB JAS-39C Gripen

The SAAB JAS 39 Gripen is a light-weight multi-role fighter indigenously developed by Sweden to replace the legendary Draken and Viggen with the Swedish Air Force. The Gripen is powered by the Volvo RM12 turbofan which is a licence-built version of the General Electric F404, the same engine that powers the original versions of the F-18 Hornet. The Gripen has been designed to operate from roads and snow-covered runways that are less than 500 metres long. Production deliveries of the JAS 39A began in 1993 and the upgraded JAS 39C was delivered from 2003. A heavily upgraded version designated the JAS 39E has been developed in conjunction with Brazil with new avionics, a heavier payload, strengthened airframe and undercarriage and powered by the F414 – the same engine as used in the Super Hornet.

When the Czech Republic joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in 1999, they needed to replace their ageing fleet of MiG-21s with a NATO-compatible combat aircraft. Following a competition involving the western main fighter types, a fleet of 14 ex-Swedish Air Force JAS-39C Gripens were leased in 2004. The current lease has been extended to 2027 and is currently under negotiation to be extended further to 2035 whilst F-35 deliveries commence. Since their initial lease, the aircraft have been continuously upgraded and currently fly in the same configuration as those flown by the Swedish Air Force.

The Czech Air Force Gripen solo display is a popular regular visitor to the Air Tattoo and will once again be appearing in this year’s flying display. This year the display will be provided by 211 Tacticka Letka (211th Tactical Squadron) which is based at Caslav Air Base.

For more information on the Czech Air Force and their Gripens, visit their official website here: www.mo.gov.cz/scripts/detail.php?id=38154

Photo Credit: Paul Fiddian