SAAB JAS-39D Gripen

The SAAB JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight 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/A-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. The two-seat JAS-39D is used to train pilots to fly and fight in the aircraft. 

The upgraded JAS-39C standard provides the Swedish Air Force with an air-to-air refuelling capability, improved avionics and the ability to generate oxygen on board to increase flight time. During 2011, the Gripen was deployed to police the no-fly zone over Libya where they flew over 650 combat missions. 

The Swedish Air Force will be sending a pair of Gripens to this year’s Air Tattoo as part of our ‘Fighter Meet’ theme. A two-seat JAS-39D will appear on static whilst a single-seat JAS-39C will take part in the flying display. Both aircraft are coming from the Skaraborg Wing based near Lidköping.

Photo Credit: Michael Hind