The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a Swedish military multirole fighter family. It combines air-defence and other combat tasks with an operating concept that emphasises dispersed basing and efficient ground support.[1]Gripen C-seriesSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[2]This is Gripen ESaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Operational concept
Saab describes the Gripen C-series as capable of operating from short, narrow road runways. This reflects an approach in which combat aircraft can be supported away from a small number of permanent airfields. Ground turnaround and maintenance requirements are therefore important parts of the design's intended military usefulness.[1]Gripen C-seriesSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The manufacturer's published runway example is 800 by 16 metres. It is a statement about the C-series operating concept, not a promise that every road, aircraft weight or weather condition is suitable. Airfield suitability still has to be established for the operation concerned.[1]Gripen C-seriesSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
C-series
The C-series provides a multirole platform with integrated weapons and avionics. Saab emphasises continued development with customers, rather than treating the aircraft's entry into service as the end of the programme. This also means that national aircraft can differ in their selected equipment and weapon integrations.[1]Gripen C-seriesSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The Czech Air Force introduced Gripen in 2005, replacing older equipment. Saab uses this operator's experience to illustrate the C-series' air-defence employment.[1]Gripen C-seriesSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Gripen E
Saab unveiled Gripen E on 18 May 2016. Its announcement described a more powerful engine, increased fuel carriage and revised avionics compared with preceding versions. Those changes supported increased range and a greater ability to carry weapons.[2]This is Gripen ESaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
The E therefore represents more than a software update to an earlier Gripen. Its development involved changes to the aircraft's underlying propulsion and capacity as well as its mission systems.[2]This is Gripen ESaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Origins
Sweden's parliament approved the JAS programme in 1982. The first Gripen test flight took place on 9 December 1988. The programme established a Swedish multirole combat aircraft that subsequently developed through new generations and international cooperation.[3]Gripen – från multi-role till AISaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details