The Swedish air force has fielded its first Saab Gripen E fighters, with the new jets assigned to its F7 Wing at Satenas air base.
Formally introduced on 20 October, the GE Aerospace F414-engined jets carry the service registrations 609 and 610, video footage from the event shows. They are the first of 60 new-generation Gripens on order for Stockholm, all in a single-seat configuration.
“The JAS 39 Gripen E is not just an upgrade of previous versions but in many respects a completely new aircraft type… built to meet future requirements for survivability, range, sensors and interoperability,” says Mattias Ottis, F7 Wing commander.
Notably, the platform has an increased payload and range performance versus the service’s earlier C/D model, almost 100 of which are in Swedish service.
“Gripen E strengthens our national defence capability to meet future threats together with allies,” says the Swedish armed forces’ commander-in-chief General Michael Claesson.
Air force chief Major General Jonas Wikman describes the Gripen E as “a platform that is tailored to our needs”, while adding: “this is the beginning of the capability development”.
“We will now continue to develop the system in parallel with the Gripen C/D, and at the same time continue to deliver Gripen E to the armed forces until 2030,” says Carl-Fredrik Edstrom, head of aerospace at the nation’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).
Sweden follows export buyer Brazil in introducing the E-model Gripen. Aviation analytics company Cirium records the Brazilian air force as having introduced 10 single-seat F-39Es, from a total commitment for 28, plus eight two-seat F-model jets.
Saab has yet to comment on the delivery milestone, which occurred shortly before its third-quarter financial results announcement on 24 October.
Separately, the Swedish air force recently launched its first training course for fighter pilots students using the Grob Aircraft G120TP. It has fielded a 13-strong fleet of the German-built basic trainer, which is locally designated as the SK 40. The assets are assigned to the service’s flight school in Linkoping.
Story updated on 22 October with quote from the FMV.
