On October 20, the Swedish Air Force celebrated an important milestone in the modernization of its combat aviation with the official reception and induction of its first JAS 39 Gripen E fighter jet — the first of a total of sixty (60) aircraft being produced by Saab. The event was marked by an official ceremony held at Skaraborg Air Base, home to the new aircraft, and was led by Minister of Defence Pål Jonson.
To date, the backbone of the Swedish Air Force’s combat aviation has consisted of the Gripen C/D variants, which have been in service since the early 2000s, themselves a more advanced evolution of the A/B versions that entered service in the mid-1990s.
However, despite successive upgrade programs and modernization efforts, the Ministry of Defence, the Swedish Air Force, and Saab began years ago the design and development of the most advanced version of the Gripen to date. The “E” variant, also known by its promotional designation “Next Generation,” represents a substantial leap in capability over previous models. It incorporates a new Raven ES-05 AESA radar, a new General Electric F414G engine, upgraded electronic warfare and communications systems, and a modular design to allow for future upgrades.
Currently, the first global operator of the Gripen E is the Brazilian Air Force, which is in the process of receiving its aircraft — paradoxically making the Swedish Air Force the second operator to induct the new fighter. The Gripen E will operate alongside the existing Gripen C/D fleet, with plans to acquire up to sixty aircraft in the coming years.
To mark this milestone, General Michael Claesson, Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces, stated: “This marks an important milestone in the development of Sweden’s defense. It is the result of long-term cooperation and close collaboration between the Armed Forces, the FMV, and Swedish industry. The Gripen E strengthens our national defense capability to face future threats together with our allies. Keep making us proud.”
For his part, Defence Minister Pål Jonson described the event as “a milestone in Sweden’s defense,” adding via social media that this is the first of a fleet of 60 Gripen E/F aircraft.
However, senior Swedish military officials emphasized that the induction of the first Gripen E is merely another step toward the future — one that already has its sights set on the next-generation fighter that will eventually replace the aircraft that has safeguarded Sweden’s skies for nearly three decades.
This was underscored by Colonel Mattias Ottis, commander of Skaraborg Air Base, who stated during the official ceremony: “This is a great day that marks the beginning of a new chapter in Swedish aviation history. F 7 Skaraborg Air Base is the center of Swedish air combat development; we are paving the way toward the future. We are ready, we are excited — now we’re going all in.”
The commander’s remarks carry weight, as just days ago the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarded new development contracts to Saab focused on the next-generation fighter that will replace the Gripen. The first flight of the technology demonstrator, part of the conceptual program Framtida Stridsflygsystem (literally translated as “Future Combat Air System”), is scheduled for 2027.
You may also be interested in: The next-generation fighter technology demonstrator that will replace Sweden’s Gripen is expected to fly in 2027
