Why The Gripen Might Be Better Than The F-35

Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen is redefining what a modern fighter jet can be. With its sleek design, cutting-edge tech, and unbeatable versatility, this aircraft is widely considered the world’s best non-stealth fighter. It offers top-tier performance, a flawless operational record, and a price tag that puts far more expensive jets to shame.

Born of Neutrality and Necessity

After World War II, Sweden embraced a policy of armed neutrality, aiming to deter Soviet aggression with homegrown military power. This led to the creation of advanced defense systems—especially fighter aircraft designed and built by Saab.

One of their first major successes was the Saab 35 Draken. But by the early 1980s, the pace of global military tech demanded a new generation of fighters. Enter the JAS 39 Gripen.

Sweden set out to build a lightweight, multirole fighter that could compete with the best in the world—without breaking the budget. The design emphasized agility, speed, and versatility. Saab chose a canard-delta wing layout to improve maneuverability, while the airframe was purposefully made aerodynamically unstable. This required fly-by-wire controls, but delivered exceptional performance.

The first prototype rolled out in 1987, and flight testing concluded in the mid-1990s.

Design Evolution and Performance

The Gripen has seen three major iterations: the A/B, C/D, and the newest E/F variants.

The widely used C/D model weighs just 15,000 lbs. empty, with a max takeoff weight of 31,000 lbs. It’s powered by a Volvo RM12 turbofan engine, capable of producing 18,100 lbs. of thrust with afterburners. It can reach speeds over Mach 2 at altitude and fly Mach 1.2 at sea level.

Its combat radius is 800 km—a solid number for a single-engine aircraft—and it can climb to 50,000 feet, performing up to 9G turns, putting it on par with elite fighters like the F-16 and Rafale. It’s also prized for being able to take off from and land on short, rough runways, making it perfect for dispersed operations.

Above all, the Gripen is known for its low maintenance needs, fast turnaround times, and pilot-friendly design. It was built to be a warfighter’s workhorse, ready for action with minimal ground support.

The E/F Series: A Game-Changer

First flown in 2017, the Gripen E/F brings the platform into the 21st century with a host of next-gen upgrades.

• Larger Trapezoidal Wings for increased lift and payload capacity—up to 2,500 kg more than the C/D.

• A more powerful General Electric F414 engine, boosting speed, range, and service ceiling.

• 10 hardpoints (up from 8) for a wide variety of weapons and sensors.

• Stealth-enhanced design and cutting-edge electronic warfare systems, including 360-degree threat awareness, advanced jamming, and onboard AI-powered decision support.

• A fully modernized glass cockpit and sensor fusion—bringing it close to 5th-gen situational awareness.

The Gripen E/F’s advanced capabilities allow it to hold its own in heavily contested airspace, all while being easier to maintain and far more cost-effective than its stealthier peers.