When SAAB lost the tender to supply fighter jets to the Canadian air force to the Lockheed Martin, the developer of F-35 stealth fighters, it complained of ‘unfair play’. Today, the unpredictable American politics could trigger the resurgence of JAS-39 Gripens.
The Saab Gripen has been a strong contender in several high-profile fighter jet tenders worldwide, but it has faced stiff competition and lost out on various occasions.
Presently, Sweden, Brazil, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand, and the United Kingdom (in training role) operate the Gripen. However, in the ever-evolving landscape of global defense, the Saab Gripen fighter jet is making a compelling comeback.
NATO countries are currently navigating uncertain waters, with unpredictable shifts in US foreign policy that underlines the risks of over-reliance on American defense platforms. For instance, Donald Trump halted military aid to Ukraine after a verbal spat with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Oval Office.
Military aid has now been restored, but the incident has created a massive rift within the Transatlantic. There is prevailing concern in Europe that an ‘unpredictable’ US under Donald Trump could pause the delivery of critical parts or software updates for the F-35.
The Gripen, being a European-made aircraft, offers NATO members greater operational independence. Choosing the Gripen allows nations to maintain their strategic autonomy while reducing susceptibility to political fluctuations in transatlantic relations.
With Portugal and Canada reconsidering their commitments to the F-35 program, the Gripen is emerging as a formidable alternative, offering a blend of advanced technology, cost-effectiveness, and operational flexibility.
SAAB’s Few Lost Contracts
India’s Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Tender: Saab Gripen was one of the contenders in India’s MMRCA competition to supply 126 fighter jets. Despite its cost-effectiveness and advanced features, the Gripen lost to the Dassault Rafale, which was ultimately selected due to its perceived superior capabilities and India’s strategic partnership with France.
Switzerland’s Fighter Jet Program: In 2011, Switzerland initially selected the Gripen E/F to replace its aging fleet of F-5 Tigers. However, a public referendum in 2014 rejected the funding for the Gripen purchase, effectively ending Saab’s bid.
Canada’s Fighter Jet Replacement Program: Saab Gripen was a hot contender in Canada’s search for a new fighter jet to replace its CF-18 Hornets. However, Canada ultimately decided to purchase the F-35 Lightning II, citing interoperability with allied forces as a key factor. It was a massive setback for SAAB and people supporting the ‘Gripen For Canada’ campaign
Gripen’s Development Journey
The Gripen’s story began in the late 1970s when Sweden sought to replace its aging fleet of Saab 35 Draken and Saab 37 Viggen jets. The Swedish government envisioned a multirole aircraft capable of air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions. Saab was tasked with creating a cost-effective, agile, and technologically advanced fighter.
The first prototype took to the skies in 1988, and the Gripen entered service with the Swedish Air Force in 1996. The initial variants, Gripen A/B, were designed for national defense and featured modular avionics for easy upgrades.
Recognizing the need for a globally competitive fighter, Saab developed the Gripen C/D variants in the late 1990s. These NATO-compatible models included features like air-to-air refueling and enhanced avionics.
The Gripen E/F, also known as Gripen NG (Next Generation), represents the latest iteration. Introduced in 2019, these variants boast a larger fuselage, more powerful engines, and advanced electronic warfare systems. The Gripen E features a futuristic cockpit with a Wide Area Display (WAD) and embedded AI to assist pilots in complex missions.
Portugal & Canada’s Shift
Portugal recently announced that it is contemplating abandoning plans to purchase the F-35, citing concerns over cost and operational predictability.
Similarly, Canada is actively exploring alternatives to the F-35 despite having already paid for the first batch of aircraft. The Gripen, which was a close contender in Canada’s fighter jet competition, is now back in the spotlight as a viable option.
Several countries worldwide operate the F-35 Lightning II, including the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Norway, Israel, Japan, and the Netherlands. Additionally, nations like Belgium, Finland, Germany, and Poland have placed orders and are awaiting deliveries.
Technical Comparison
| Feature | F-35 Lightning II | Saab Gripen |
| Generation | Fifth-generation stealth fighter | Fourth-generation (Gripen E: 4.5 gen) |
| Stealth Capability | Advanced stealth design | Limited stealth measures |
| Avionics | Sensor fusion, AESA radar, advanced EW | AESA radar, IRST, advanced datalink |
| Speed | Mach 1.6 | Mach 2.0 |
| Range | 1,500 nautical miles | 1,800 nautical miles |
| Cost | Approx. $115 million per unit | Approx. $60 million per unit |
| Maintenance | High operational costs | Lower operational costs |
| Interoperability | Seamless integration with NATO systems | NATO-compatible, but less integrated |
The Lure Of Gripen
Cost-Effectiveness: The Gripen offers advanced capabilities at a fraction of the cost of the F-35. This makes it an attractive option for nations looking to modernize their air forces without breaking the bank.
For many NATO nations, especially those with constrained defense budgets, this represents an opportunity to achieve air superiority without financial strain. The Gripen’s lower life-cycle costs, including its efficient maintenance, ensure long-term sustainability—critical for countries looking to modernize their fleets while optimizing resources.
Operational Independence: Unlike the F-35, which has faced criticism for its reliance on US control systems, the Gripen provides greater operational autonomy. This is a critical factor for countries like Canada and Portugal, which value strategic independence.
Several German defense experts expressed concerns that the US could potentially use a “kill switch” on the F-35 to impose its political objectives. Despite Belgian and Swiss military officials dismissing such concerns, European military experts have flagged apprehensions about possible US disruption.
While a kill switch is considered a myth, European countries understand that any F-35 fleet would rapidly become ineffective without access to American-controlled maintenance, logistical, and computer networks. Thus, the US would have indirect control over the operations of the F-35 in service with practically any country
Technological Edge: The Gripen is equipped with cutting-edge avionics, advanced radar systems, and a robust weapons suite. Its ability to integrate seamlessly with NATO systems further enhances its appeal.
In the face of evolving global threats, Europe has increasingly emphasized the importance of defense autonomy. The Gripen, being a product of European engineering and innovation, aligns perfectly with this vision.
By adopting the Gripen, NATO nations can strengthen Europe’s defense industrial base and reduce dependency on non-European suppliers.
Sustainability: The Gripen’s lower maintenance costs and fuel efficiency make it a sustainable choice for long-term operations. Its open architecture and modular design allow for easy upgrades and customization to meet specific NATO requirements.
As Portugal and Canada reevaluate their defense strategies, SAAB is poised to capitalize on this shift. Gripen’s unique combination of cost-effectiveness, operational independence, and advanced technology makes it an ideal choice for nations trying to escape American monopoly and dominance.
