Will Make Russia Sweat - Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Is Joining NATO

Will Make Russia Sweat - Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Is Joining NATO

Will Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen fighter become a NATO mainstay after the Scandinavian country officially joins the alliance pending accession ratification by member nations? Russia is likely frustrated that even more Gripens (“Griffins”) will be part of the NATO mix sooner rather than later.

The warplane is already in use by the Czech Republic and Hungary and other countries outside of NATO. Sweden has more than 90 Gripen C/D fourth-generation fighters in service. They are considered one of the jewels of the Swedish military. The Gripen is fast, maneuverable, and ready to take on Russian fighters if needed.

Multi-role is Multi-Popular

The acronym JAS denotes the diversity of missions that the Gripen can execute. This comprises air-to-air, air-to-surface, and reconnaissance roles. The airplane is made by SAAB Group (Swedish Aeroplane Company Limited). The Gripen entered service in 1997 and is noted for its canards and delta wings. It punches above its weight for a lighter jet at just under 15,000 pounds when empty and around 31,000 pounds maximum when taking off.

Modern Cockpit that Pilots Love

The cockpit is pilot-friendly with large visual displays and 3D screens. This includes a wide-area display and a heads-up display. SAAB says this situational awareness “includes mission routes, approaching threats and a lot more coming in from sensors, radars, and data feeds from other aircraft.”