Gripen F fighter jet makes first flight: Here’s what it’s being built for
Photo: Gripen F fighter (Getty Images)
Swedish defence company Saab has successfully conducted the maiden flight of the two-seat variant of its Gripen F multirole fighter. The aircraft remained airborne for roughly 40 minutes, according to the company's press service.
The Gripen F took to the skies from Saab's airfield in Linköping, Sweden. During the test flight, engineers verified the aircraft's primary systems and a number of its flight characteristics.
In subsequent phases, the company will gradually evaluate the fighter's performance under extreme operating conditions, including maximum speed and altitude, permissible G‑loads, and angles of attack.
In parallel, specialists will assess the Gripen F's tactical capabilities, as well as the functionality of its rear cockpit.
Upon completion of all scheduled procedures, the aircraft will be prepared for handover to the Brazilian Air Force.
What is known about the Gripen F
The JAS 39 Gripen E/F family represents an in-depth upgrade of the fourth-generation Gripen C/D multirole fighters. The E/F variants feature an enlarged wing area and a stretched fuselage. In addition, the aircraft is powered by a more potent General Electric F414 engine and equipped with a new active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
The fighter was developed under a strategic partnership between Sweden and Brazil, which includes extensive technology transfer as part of the Brazilian programme.
The two-seat version was designed for pilot training and to enhance effectiveness during coordinated combat missions. At the same time, the twin-seat Gripen F retains its full combat capability and all ten weapon hardpoints. In the future, the aircraft may be upgraded with the ability to control unmanned fighter drones.
Earlier reports detailed what is known about Sweden's Gripen and its key distinctions from the F-16.
RBC-Ukraine also reported on how Yurii Ihnat, the Air Force Communications Department head, explained why the Gripen has become a priority for Ukraine.
