I'm brazilian and I can say our Air Force is very satisfied with it's new Gripen E/Fs. The Erieye AEW + Gripen supercruise and small RCS + Raven AESA + Meteor combination is terrifying. And we can operate this on any of the thousands of small airports all over the country with minimal infrastructure and logistics, which makes it way more complicated for any foe to negate it's use . All without costing us an arm and a leg. We are so pleased with the initial results that we already ordered more planes.

What many people don't know is that when the Grippen first came to Red Flag the Swedes did not fly them here. Instead they packed them up in 10 flat packs, shipped them and mechanics put them back together with the suppied Allen wrench and screwdriver.

Bang for you buck? My guy I STILL can't afford it.

And it's a damn good looking fighter to boot

As an American, it's good to see Sweden joining the club. The Gripen concept is understandable considering their neighbor to the east--I'm not talking about Finland.

It's crazy that it only costs $8k per hour to operate. That is amazing. If it had been widely adopted, it would likely be even cheaper to buy. India needs to sit down with Sweden for these planes.

Only six people are needed in refueling and rearming, five of which can be conscripts and one expert.

The JAS 39 Gripen flies over my house three times every day and I love it!!

The Gripen is an extremely underrated jet. Super cruise, irst, solid airframe, good weapons, radar, ew, low maintenance, STOL are just a few of the areas that set the Gripen apart from the competition.

The Gripen was the work horse of my Ace Combat 7 play through. I was so happy to see it's inclusion.

Sweden has been at the forefront of weapon manufacturing and improved tactics since the 1600s. King Gustavus Adolphus is ranked as one of the Great Generals up there with Napoleon and Alexander the Great. Sweden stronk!

Another Red Flag lesson was that the Gripen was the only fighter who flew all missions. All others had missed missions due to weather (wtf?) or maintenance problems.

I think one of the things overlooked in cost analysis is turn-around time. Gripen can do it in minutes, whereas many aircraft requires hours, or even a full day. That might work if you have massive air superiority, but when on equal fotting, or if you're the underdog, you need all your aircraft to maximize the time they can be in the air and run missions.

I’m thoroughly impressed but not surprised that Sweden should put out such a fine product. Glad they’re on our side!

Sweden ❤ Love from the UK.🇬🇧

As a young teenager my family had a second car for a while because both parents worked & different hrs. It was a 3cyl, front wheel drive, three speed on the column, Saab! I thought hey, the Swedes have something here! It was so good in the snow of Maine that Saabs were popular at frozen lake races! I learned how to drive in that little Saab at 13yrs old! You go Saab!

As a Norwegian who originally argued (as an amateur) that we probably should choose Gripen in Norway (knowing realistically that we would pick the F-35 because of NATO and long-standing industrial partnerships with Lockheed Martin, Raytheon etc) I now think we did right to pick the F-35 as I observe it slowly sorts itself out. But here is the twist - my admiration for the Gripen has increased too. It is an insane package designed by a nation with 10 million people (show me another nation with 10 million people who has a tradition of making fighter jets that go toe to toe with the best USA with partners or European consortiums can manage since the beginning of the Cold War. I also agree with the notion that Gripen is probably the closest machine to the F-35 flying today in terms of fusion and EW (with the caveat that we never truly know what the true capabilities are of any modern weapons until they switch those secret toggles on that reads "this is not an exercise") while being as cheap to fly per hour that it is close to being silly. As someone who spent a few hours today watching today's seminar at the "Norwegian Committee of the North Atlantic" (NATO is soon 75 years old) that raised some very interesting issues regarding Norway, our sister nations of Sweden and Finland joining and the role of larger Europe and our American partners - well worth a watch. The opening keynote was held by Admiral Rob Bauer ( Chair of the NATO Military Committee) who has proven himself as a clear thinker. (it is all held in English and found on KZfaq. Just search for "DAY 2 I Session IV - Leangkollen Security Conference 2024 - NATO 75: Past, Present & Future")

I love a channel that doesn’t even have to explain what Red Flag is. Respect.

Gripen is a perfect example of the "fighting style" we have here in Sweden. We are not a big nation when it comes to manpower. So instead we make that up in extreme levels of high technology. Every soldier in every branch of the military should be equipped to deal out more damage that he receives. But also more than that - be able to deal oit damage without giving the enemy a chance to strike back. Its a kind of "guerrilla warfare" thinking. The enemy shouldn't even be aware of you until it is to late, and once you have decimated them you dissappear. Gripen strikes first - bam! - and then it just disappear, and lands on a discreet little highway strip and literally hinds in a camouflaged mini hangar in the middle of the woods. A few conscripts can refule it and then you just wait for the enemy to tur its back again... and then you launch the next attack 😅 Another great example of this type of Swedish warfare is the Archer artillery that is raining shells on the russians in Ukraine now. It sets up, fire's several rounds, packs up and leaves the firing spot literally before the shells has landed. Meaning that enemy counter fire is useless. "Shoot and scoot". 👍

I love the austier deployment capability of the Gripen. In a major war, Airfields are big targets and won't last long

As a high altitude weapon x pilot I can tell you, this fighter is one of a kind. I did my toughest missions using this fighter jet 😊

I fuckin love that you did a video on the Gripen The first time I saw one was in 2001 at the Air Fete in RAF Mildenhall. The aircraft did a single demo both days and it was pretty damn impressive. Its almost a shame we didn’t buy some

Love your channel... One of my favorites. Thank you for good information. Keep up the terrific job!! Thank you again for accurate and update information Sir.

Also Sandbox, you failed to mention that the Gripen's have electronic and software modularity. Something that our military is just now getting around to. The better bargain is right.

Speaking of the Gripen proving itself in military exercises, the PRC found out how potent the Gripen C/D were in a couple of military exercises with Thailand. Initially the exercises were given restrictions to both sides, but in final days, the restrictions were removed. Chinese pilots were soundly defeated by the Thai Gripen pilots. This made the Generals in the PLAAF rethink about the training of their combat pilots.

A few.. not quite corections, but.. well. Gripen E have a mostly new airframe than A and C, the range is almost doubled, and the carry capaciy also increased. Typicall maintance crew is 1 professionans and 5 consctipts.(sometimes as low as 3, they are trained to manage with only 3). But the plaines usually operate in pairs, so sometimes both teams can supportnthe same aircraft. The aircraft can fire missiles of bore. The rotating plate alow views of about 270 degrees around the airframe, compare to typically 160 degrees for a fix plate. Its also worth saying that gripen radar can provide full power at 90 degree. It can also cluster radar information from 2 or more planes (also true for A and C model) The aircraft can also refuel and rearm in 5-10 minutes. Sweden is pretty much the only country in the world that refuel and rearm wirh engine on. This alow insanly quick turnaround that offers more flight hours on taget. Really gripen is genneraly built for more flight hours, that is one reason its so cheap to fly.

🎖️🏆⭐💙🤗 Thank you for sharing

Low cost per flight hour would mean an excellent choice for the Philippines

Great video on a much under appreciated Fighter ❤

Unfortunately, it failed to gain traction in the export market compared to the Rafale. I can only speak for my country (Indonesia), but the Swedish government is making it tough for us to buy Gripen. Saab offered us a juicy ToT scheme with full 100% local assembly + Erieye AWACS at a discount. However, 'human rights' concern by the Swedish parliaments arose, making the deal exceedingly difficult. The deal stalled for several years and it failed completely when Saab pulled out of Indo fighter jets competition. If only there are more Gripens out there, the per-unit costs could be reduced massively. Even the US allowed us to acquire their most advanced F-15EX without any hesitation with DSCA release in early 2022, MoU in 2023 and the expected firm order should be placed in around 2024-2025.

I really hope we are taking a deep look at how the Gripen is so cheap to operate and apply lessons to future systems here in the States... My hats off to the designers and engineers in Sweden.

Wow! So glad they're on our side!

Thanks for validating that $82m f-35 pricetag A big KZfaqr here once replied to me with astonishment when I told them that in some cases, with a pricetag like that, it would be cheaper for us here in America to buy new f-35s rather than some 4th gen aircraft 😉😉🤣

I hoped Canada would have procured Gripen. It’s designed for northern climates too

i get a small tear in my eye when i hear how nice you talk about the swedish military.

I'll keep that in mind when Im out shopping next time. Thanks!

I'm a swede so ofc I have a bias, but I have such deep respect for the history and (future) the engineers in Sweden have built up. Im an architect so I can only build houses, but I understand how many complex and high level teams must be involved, working in tandem to produce a standard of tech, reliability, inovation and all on a budget, to get things like the Gripen, the CV-90 suit, the archer, and not to mention the countless co-developed missile systems by saab. I hate that fact that Europe has a major war raging, and I hope russia will be defeated, would not wish a war upon anyone, but I'm glad that these systems hav ebben developed.Also thank you for a great video :)

Great Video: Probably the best! 💯

*Thank you* for that short review. It’s a great plane and I am glad you find it useable!

The Grippen E needs to be mass produced for deployment behind the main-line-of-resistence in that same niche that the Harrier used to inhabit.

Thanks for your effort and your work! To follow your channel was never a mistake. It is a plus! Keep on it! Greetings from Austria 🇦🇹

Gripen main strength is the swedish "disperse landing" technique. Lift of from a short 500 meter road... fire..scoot and land on a another short 500 meter road and refuel and rearm in only 15 minutes and repeat it over and over again. It dosent need a big vulnerable landingstrip /airbase wich is a high priority target in wars and full +20 ppl aircrew and a lot of logistic

Thank you Sir 👍

Very interesting information, Alex. Thanks !

Good solid review! Best bang for the money 🎉 💯% agree ! 😀

It is good to keep in mind that exercises such as Red Flag are highly scripted, designed to teach tactics and operations. They are not fighters vs fighters and about who's best. And they start out easy, gradually increasing in complexity and challenges. That said, no doubt that the Gripen has impressed in Red Flag, not at least in mission rate and readiness.

Thankxx, Sandboxx.

Beautifully said!

Great breakdown! I love all your content, and I regularly share with my team!

Nice to see this humble yet very interesting fighter gets the attention it deserves. Thanks for that Alex! I'd love to see the Gripen E/F in US service one day, possibly as aggressor fighters, built in close cooperation with Boeing, just like the T-7. And possibly Boeing can bring mass to the table and help to develop this little gem further, jus as its predecessor McDonnelDouglas did for the British Harrier. Given its excellent STOL performance and small logistics footprint, the Gripen might also be a great complementary fighter to USAF, USN and USMC aviation should it come to fighting in the West-Pacific. The F-35 no doubt is a great fighter, but apart from the B-variant it seems to need quite an extensive and specialized support organization, which might be a juicy target for the PLA's long range missiles, whereas the Gripen seems to be perfect to operate from semi prepared strips with minimal (and thus appealing) footprints. That might come in handy should fighting be required for the archipellagos surrounding the South China Sea...

I remember talking to an engineer who got to experience the data from training programs w/ the Gripen. He told me the EW capabilities vs older aircraft were absolutely stunning. But against modern aircraft turned it into a spotlight telling everyone exactly where it was and what it was doing. But gods do I love this plane.

always informative!

The Gripen is yet another example of the importance of military doctrine in evaluating frontline technology and innovation. There are countless variables to consider….the Gripen is a great plane and a stellar version of what it’s supposed to be.

finally someone acknowledges the gripens greatness

01:51 Not only that, probably the best looking fighter out there as well!

A beautiful aircraft. Thanks Alex

The modular design is amazing! Then engine fan blades that create reverse thrust to slow down required runaway are mind-boggling additions!!! Swapping out whole systems make it fully up-gradable in just a routine maintenance break!!! 😍😍😍

The Gripen is an amazing weapon-system!!! So underrated!

Thanks Alex🇺🇸

although the F-35 and Gripen E competed with each other, I think they can compliment each other. Cheaper cooperate Gripen E for air policing and later stage combat where costs is a concern and stealth isn't need, F-35 for day 1 offensive operations where stealth is prioritized

I wish Canada would have chosen this air craft.

Here in Finland 🇫🇮back in early 90's when we were in the market for an air force overhaul the choices were f18, gripen or whatever migs. Many folks were disappointed that almost up to the last minute gripen wasn't chosen. F18 (navy carrier type) got the bid. Partly for logistics & network access & compliance for future alliance(s). Russians offered 5 migs per hornet price. Sandboxx is great! -Cheers🍻

The superior datalink sharing information beteween other gripens and information from the Ground control suite of sensors is the real strength. Allows total awareness of the total battlespace.

The gripen is amazing, watching the interviews with the pilots they, the engineers, thought way ahead of the US on technology in some aspects. Software wise amazing

The Gripen is like a good MMA fighter. Not the best at one thing, but pretty darn good at everything.

The Philippines already allocated 14 Gripens to their budget, I don't know what are they waiting for.

Such an amazing and impressive video .

Great Giphen explanation. Thanks.

It’s good because the key is in the center console instead of the steering column!

8 K an hour is amazing as is the necessary crew size. somebody got things right.

Those Canards for tilt/altitude change sexy af

Great review and absolutley agree best bang for you buck.

Interesting, but you miss the main thing with Gripen NG. The Gripen E/F can change any hardware or software on the fly without needing any recertification of the flight systems. Everything is modular (sandboxed), like on a smartphone. You can change every computer on the aircraft today and fly combat missions tomorrow AND you can add weapons much faster. Not like the F-35 that needs month or years of testing to integrate new hardware or software. There is a reason why Boeing cooperated with SAAB on the T-7. They wanted access to that technology.

One of the few fighters that can lob fox 3’s and crank beyond the usual gimbal limits of other aircraft.

I agree 100%. Canada bought the wrong plane. The Gripen is almost purpose built for our air force.

Great video!

It’s sad h that 5e gripen isn’t getting more recognition and hence mass production reduction in costs aren’t getting recognized, it has a very lean software architecture making it easier to update and operate than the Rafale. But the Rafales system integration means it’s more popular.

Wouldn’t a better comparison be with the F-1670/72? Comparing the Gripen w/the newly upgraded F-35 Lighting TR3 refresh is like comparing a squirt gun to a handgun. The Gripen’s value is also its weakness , it’s developed to be expendable. Sure it’s capable but no more immune to modern missile tech. than any other Gen. 4 fighter. In addition the Gripen is not “1st or 2nd day” fighter. Meaning the Gripen would not be utilized in contested airspace.

Thanks for having a channel that's not just a bot reading someone elses story!

Thank you for emphasizing the importance of maintainability in weapon system. In this case, not only is the aircraft easier and less expensive to maintain, it can be done in austere conditions that support operational flexibility and survivability. It's a shame that Sweden doesn't have a larger Industrial Base for making these. Thanks also for the concise, yet thorough, explanation of the Meteor.

One detail you forgot to mention. The gripen E has a higher fuel capacity and combat radius (went from 500 miles to 812 with one fuel tank and 6 missiles)

Grippen plus Meteor. Send to Ukraine !

In the 1970's I worked with Swedish desktop personal computers (Luxor DIAB if I remember correctly, well before the advent of the IBM PC). They were based on an 8-bit Z-80 microprocessor with a TINY memory space (64Kb) and yet they far outstripped, performance-wise, the eventual Microsoft-based IBM PC's that were based on 16-bit Intel microprocessors with a vastly superior memory space - but a plodding and incredibly slow operating system. I am a member of one of the 5 Nordic nations and we proudly consider the Swedes as our "big brother" - a little arrogant at times, but a role model to follow. Whatever the Swedes do they do well, but they will never be boastful about it (Jante's law). Some nations boast about their software skills, others (like the Swedes) do NOT, they just go quietly about their business. Is the Gripen a good bang-for-the-buck fighter? My bet is that it IS!

Yep, I was so disappointed when Canada picked the F-35 over this beautiful beast. The Grippen very arguably makes more sense for Canada, especially with the construction rights and technology transfer.

Brits designed a Navalised variant for the Brazilians for when they still had the Foch. It would make a fantastic platform for the impoverished Royal Navy to operate for emals equipped Queen Elizabeth class carriers. Great to operate alongside the F-35b and drones whilst maybe in dream world waiting for an RN fa-xx !

Ireland needs these

Good approach trying to explain the philosophy and smart solutions behind, not only comment on specs and basic things 👍

very informative video👍

While the F-16 makes the most sense short term (because they're free and readily available to be given by countries moving to the F-35), the Gripen really makes more sense medium/long term for Ukraine, if only because any stretch of straight road can become an impromptu airstrip. It could do well with the current shoot and scoot strategy they're using with their other assets (Patriot and HIMARS batteries).

You got multi-role and swing-role backwards. Swing-role is the newer term, applied to more modern aircraft that can do multiple roles during one mission.

Thanks! As a Swede the times I feel proud to be a Swede become fewer for each year. Hearing someone praising the JAS 39 Gripen is one of those rare occasions when I feel proud of our accomplishments! When Sweden become a full fledged member of NATO it will perhaps have a negative impact on SAAB producing and make future developments of JAS 39 Gripen as most nations purchase the F35. Perhaps NATO will see the benefits of JAS 39 Gripen and more nations chose that aircraft to replace old aircrafts or instead purchasing more F35. My unbiased opinion is of course that more JAS 39 Gripen will be produced and purchased by members of NATO.

We have never sold an f-35 to a foreign country for less than 140 million. the average amount we have paid for f-35s over the last 7 years is 112 million. I have yet to see a budget where we actually paid less than 98 million.

This is great that our allies are innovating. This makes NATO more powerful.

I've been saying it for years only to myself because nobody listens. Fantastic aircraft . No runway needed small service crew

Excellent Analisys! Greetings from Brazil.

awsome video great job

Swedish inventions are top class. Gripen entering the battle field itself is a sign of victory. Jas 39 Gripen E can take on any jet fighters in the world. It's the most underrated jet fighter and a real game changer in battle field.

The Finnish government said when testing the gripen e vs f35 that no aircraft was significantly cheaper than the others in operation and maint costs. It also said that the f35 was actually the cheaper option if full life cycle was taken into account. My assumption there is they think f35 especially with the amount of buyers will get lots of upgrades whose costs are shared over many purchasers and so the cost of putting a new radar for example in the f35 will be cheaper than in he gripen.

I've been reading up on the ill-fated Northrop F-20, also known as the F-5g and have also read that in many ways the Gripen is a modernized version of the design philosophies that the F-20 had, namely cost-effectiveness and efficiency and competitive performance, such as much lower maintenance costs, and cost per flight hour and highest reliability compared to peer fighters. It's a great shame that the F-20 never made it to production for various geo-political and other dogmatic reasons. The Swedes should be given credit for such a small nation having the ability to field such a competitive aircraft without having to navigate the political minefields and egos and economic arguments that often come with military aircraft development in other countries. And kudos to the maker of this video for being very thorough and having such an extensive citation list. That's really scholarly of you and shows you respect your audience!

Very good video, so good that you would have security police knocking on your door wanting just to check how you got all that info if you lived in Sweden 😅