Of all the aerospace giants, #Sweden #Saab AB is on the most unlikely path. At a time when modern #fighter #aircraft were usually designed by consortiums of companies from different states, most Sweden succeeded in producing fighter aircraft that could compete with those in the export market. The JAS 39 #Gripen is currently used by half a dozen air #forces and is heading for more than a dozen air forces.

Gripen was born in 1979 as a result of the Swedish government’s decision to develop a domestic alternative to the Draken and Wiggen fighters.

Sweden is one of the smallest countries in the world that maintains an aerospace industry sophisticated enough to develop advanced fighters, and Gripen helps ensure the survival of that industry. .. Gripen made its debut following the proliferation of powerful 4th generation fighters (F-14, F-15, F-16, F / A-18, MiG-29, Su-27) and learned from its development and procurement. But lessons can be applied. ..

Sweden deliberately avoids stealth from cost concerns and instead focuses on building planes that low-budget customers can buy. The aircraft first flew in December 1988 and went into service in 1996. So far, 306 gripens have been manufactured and a total of 10 have been lost in various types of accidents. Early in the development of Gripen, several accidents threatened the program, but the fighter survived.

The main feature of Gripen is its small size and low cost compared to other 4th generation and above fighter aircraft on the market. It has always been difficult to quantify the cost of a flight, but Gripen’s cost seems to be less than $ 60 million. In addition, according to Jane, Gripen has the lowest operating costs of all modern fighter aircraft. Gripen has a reputation for being user-friendly with a simple look and an easy-to-understand interface.