Operational history Saab JAS 39 Gripen

1 operational history

1.1 sweden
1.2 czech republic
1.3 hungary
1.4 south africa
1.5 thailand
1.6 united kingdom
1.7 potential , future operators

1.7.1 botswana
1.7.2 brazil
1.7.3 bulgaria
1.7.4 colombia
1.7.5 croatia
1.7.6 finland
1.7.7 india
1.7.8 indonesia
1.7.9 philippines
1.7.10 poland
1.7.11 slovakia
1.7.12 switzerland
1.7.13 others


1.8 failed bids

1.8.1 denmark
1.8.2 finland
1.8.3 netherlands
1.8.4 norway
1.8.5 poland
1.8.6 others

operational history
sweden

jas 39b gripen in flight

the swedish air force placed total order 204 gripens in 3 batches. first delivery occurred on 8 june 1993, when 39102 handed on flygvapnet during ceremony @ linköping; last handed on over 13 december 1996. air force received first batch ii example on 19 december 1996. instead of fixed-price agreement of batch i, batch ii aircraft paid target price concept: cost underruns or overruns split between fmv , saab.

the jas 39 entered service f 7 wing (f 7 skaraborgs flygflottilj) on 1 november 1997. final batch 3 aircraft delivered fmv on 26 november 2008. accomplished @ 10% less agreed-upon price batch, putting jas 39c flyaway cost @ under us$30 million. batch of gripens equipped in-flight refuelling specially equipped tp84s. in 2007, programme started upgrade 31 of air force s jas 39a/b fighters jas 39c/ds. swaf had combined 134 jas 39s in service in january 2013. in march 2015, swedish air force received final jas 39c.

on 29 march 2011, swedish parliament approved swedish air force 3-month deployment support un-mandated no-fly zone on libya. deployment of 8 gripens, ten pilots, , other personnel began on 2 april. on 8 june 2011, swedish government announced agreement extend deployment 5 of gripens. october 2011, gripens had flown more 650 combat missions, 2,000 flight hours, , delivered approximately 2,000 reconnaissance reports nato. journalist tim hepher suggested libyan operations might stimulate sales of gripen , other aircraft.

a swedish gripen during exercise, 2013

in november 2012, lieutenant colonel lars helmrich of swedish air force testified riksdag regarding gripen e. stated current version of gripen outdated in air-to-air combat 2020. 60 gripens having been judged minimum required defend swedish airspace, swedish air force wants have 60–80 gripens upgraded e/f standard 2020.

on 25 august 2012, swedish government announced 40–60 jas 39e/f gripens expected procured , in service 2023. on 11 december 2012, riksdag approved purchase of 40 60 jas 39e/fs option cancel if @ least 20 aircraft not ordered other customers. on 17 january 2013, government approved deal 60 jas 39es delivered between 2018 , 2027. on 3 march 2014, swedish defence minister stated 10 jas 39es might ordered; later confirmed government.

czech republic

czech gripen Čáslav afb in background

when czech republic became nato member in 1999, need replace existing soviet-built mig-21 fleet aircraft compatible nato interoperability standards became apparent. in 2000, czech republic began evaluating number of aircraft, including f-16, f/a-18, mirage 2000, eurofighter typhoon , gripen. 1 major procurement condition industrial offset agreement, set @ 150% of expected purchase value. in december 2001, having reportedly been swayed gripen international s generous financing , offset programme, czech government announced gripen had been selected. in 2002, deal delayed until after parliamentary elections had taken place; alternative means of air defense studied, including leasing aircraft.

pair of czech gripens during baltic air policing mission in lithuania

on 14 june 2004, announced czech republic lease 14 gripen aircraft, modified comply nato standards. agreement included training of czech pilots , technicians in sweden. first 6 delivered on 18 april 2005. lease agreed period of 10 years @ cost of €780 million; 14 ex-swedish air force aircraft included 12 single-seaters , 2 jas 39d two-seat trainers. in september 2013, defence , security export agency announced follow-up agreement czech republic had been completed extend lease 14 years, until 2029; leased aircraft shall undergo extensive modernisation process, including adoption of new datalinks. lease has option of acquiring fighters outright. in 2014 lease extended 2027 , saab service contract extended 2026.

in november 2014, czech air force commander general libor Štefánik proposed leasing further 6 gripens due russia s deteriorating relationship west. according spokesperson of ministry of defence, proposal personal vision of air force commander. fleet expansion not on agenda years come. more recently, air force decided upgrade fleet ms20 configuration.

hungary

following hungary s membership of nato in 1999, there several proposals achieve nato-compatible fighter force. considerable attention went studying second-hand aircraft options modifying nation s existing mig-29 fleet. in 2001, hungary received several offers of new , used aircraft various nations, including sweden, belgium, israel, turkey, , us. although hungarian government intended procure f-16, in november 2001 in process of negotiating 10-year lease contract 12 gripen aircraft, option purchase aircraft @ end of lease period.

hungarian air force gripen during inverted flight, 2007

as part of procurement arrangements, saab had offered offset deal valued @ 110 per cent of cost of 14 fighters. initially, hungary had planned lease several batch ii aircraft; however, inability conduct aerial refuelling , weapons compatibility limitations had generated hungarian misgivings. contract renegotiated , signed on 2 february 2003 total of 14 gripens, had been a/b standard , had undergone extensive upgrade process nato-compatible c/d export gripen standard. last aircraft deliveries took place in december 2007.

while hungarian air force operates total of 14 gripen aircraft under lease, in 2011, country reportedly intended purchase these aircraft outright. however, in january 2012, hungarian , swedish governments agreed extend lease period further ten years; according hungarian defence minister csaba hende, agreement represented considerable cost savings.

two gripens lost in crashes in may , june 2015, leaving 12 gripens in operation. hungary 14 gripen signing of replacement contract.

south africa

a south african air force jas 39c gripen in flight

in 1999, south africa signed contract bae/saab procurement of 26 gripens (c/d standard) minor modifications meet requirements. deliveries south african air force commenced in april 2008. april 2011, 18 aircraft (nine two-seater aircraft , 9 single-seaters) had been delivered. while establishment of gripen fighter weapon school @ overberg air force base in south africa had been under consideration, in july 2013 saab ruled out option due lack of local support initiative; thailand alternative location being considered, Čáslav czech air base.

between april 2013 , december 2013, south african contractors held prime responsibility maintenance work on gripen fleet support contracts saab had expired; arrangement led fears extended operations may not possible due lack of proper maintenance. in december 2013, armscor awarded saab long-term support contract company perform engineering, maintenance, , support services on 26 gripens through 2016. on 13 march 2013, south african defense minister nosiviwe mapisa-nqakula stated half of saaf gripens have been stored because of insufficient budget keep them flying. in september 2013, saaf decided not place number of gripens in long-term storage; instead 26 aircraft rotated between flying cycles , short-term storage. speaking in september 2013, brigadier-general john bayne testified gripen met saaf s minimum requirements, country faced no military threats.

thailand

royal thai air force gripen

in 2007, thailand s parliament authorized royal thai air force spend 34 billion baht (us$1.1 billion) part of effort replace thailand s existing northrop f-5 fleet. in february 2008, thai air force ordered 6 gripens (two single-seat c-models , 4 two-seat d-models) saab; deliveries began in 2011. thailand ordered 6 more gripen cs in november 2010; deliveries began in 2013. thailand may order many 40 gripens. in 2010, thailand selected surat thani airbase main operating base gripens. first of 6 aircraft delivered on 22 february 2011.

saab delivered 3 gripens in april 2013, , 3 more in september 2013. in september 2013, air force marshal prajin jantong stated thailand interested in purchasing 6 aircraft more in near future, pending government approval. thai supreme commander general thanasak patimapragorn has stated air force intends gripen s information systems integrated army , navy systems. armed forces officially inaugurate gripen integrated air defence system during 2014.

united kingdom

an etps gripen @ riat 2008

the empire test pilots school (etps) in united kingdom has used gripen advanced fast jet training of test pilots since 1999. operates d aircraft.

potential , future operators
botswana

botswana has shown interest in gripen leading saab opening office in botswana in 2014. country interested in purchasing 8 surplus c , d model gripens, order possibly being extended 16. gripens replace fourteen ex-canadian air force cf-5 fighters botswana defence force air wing (bdf) has been using since 1996, 40 years old.

bdf air wing top officials believe acquisition of fighter jet done deal. whether 8 or twelve or sixteen, bdf looking replace fighter jet fleet.

brazil

replica of brazilian version of gripen ng cockpit

in october 2008, brazil selected 3 finalists f-x2 fighter programme: dassault rafale b/c, boeing f/a-18e/f super hornet, , jas 39e/f gripen ng. brazilian air force planned procure @ least 36 , possibly 120 later, replace northrop f‐5em , dassault mirage 2000c aircraft. in february 2009, saab submitted tender 36 gripen ngs. on 5 january 2010, reports claimed brazilian air force s final evaluation report placed gripen ahead of other contenders; decisive factor reportedly lower unit cost , operational costs. amid delays due financial constraints, there reports in 2010 of rafale s selection, , in 2011 of f/a-18 s selection. on 18 december 2013, president dilma rousseff announced gripen ng s selection.

key decision factors domestic manufacturing opportunities, participation in developing gripen, , potential exports africa, asia , latin america; argentina , ecuador interested in procuring gripens or through brazil, , mexico considered export target. factor distrust of due nsa surveillance scandal. gripen not immune foreign pressure: uk may use 30% component percentage in gripen veto sale argentina due falkland islands dispute; argentina considering russian or chinese aircraft instead. until gripen e deliveries begin, brazil intended lease several gripen c aircraft.

on 24 october 2014, brazil , sweden signed 39.3 billion sek (us$5.44 bn, r$13 bn) contract 28 gripen e , 8 gripen f aircraft delivered 2019 2024 , maintained until 2050; swedish government provide subsidized 25-year, 2.19% interest rate loan purchase. @ least 15 aircraft assembled in brazil, , brazilian companies involved in full production run; gripen fs delivered later. us$1 billion price increase since selection due developments requested brazil, such wide area display (wad), panoramic 19 8 inches touchscreen display. compensation package set @ us$9 billion, or 1.7 times order value. 2 brazilian pilots trained in sweden between november 2014 , april 2015. brazilian air force has requirement 108 gripens, delivered in 3 batches. brazilian navy interested in sea gripen replace douglas a-4ku skyhawk carrier-based fighters. in 2015, brazil , sweden finalized deal development of gripen f, designated f-39 brazil.

bulgaria

after bulgarian air force expressed interest in gripen, gerdzhikov caretaker cabinet announced on 26 april 2017 state commission chose swedish fighter future combat aircraft type military of bulgaria. bulgarian officers planned initial batch numbering 8 aircraft 1.5 billion bgn (ca. 745 million euro), delivered in 2018–20 timeframe, planned follow-up batch of 8 aircraft. other contestants in tender used usaf f-16a/bs refurbished , modernised mlu standart portuguese ogma (like similar deal bulgaria s northern neighbor romania) , used italian tranche 1 eurofighter typhoons, us/portuguese offer finishing second , italian offer third.

the interdisciplinary state commission includes officials bulgarian ministries of defence, economy , finance and, according caretaker government s deputy prime minister , minister of defence stefan yanev, main reason choosing swedish contestant favourable financial terms offered saab, including lease option , offset agreements. in words, swedish offer accounts 1 billion bgn aircraft alone ($834 million), while us/portuguese 1 accounts price of 1 , half billion bgn aircraft alone. decision pending approval of next regular bulgarian government and, more importantly, of bulgarian parliament. second-place offer retained back-up option, should negotiations saab not concluded successfully, financial resources program budgeted until end of 2017. new fighters replace both mig-29 fighters of graf ignatievo air base , su-25 attack aircraft of bezmer air base, fill gap left retirement of country s dedicated su-22 reconnaissance airplanes.

colombia

saab has offered gripen c/d or e colombia, possible deliveries during 2018–21, depending on variant selected.

croatia

a gripen deal including 12 aircraft (10 single-seat c-models, , 2 two-seat d-models) valued @ 700 million euro (us$1.1 billion) first offered croatia in 2007. however, procurement stalled due 2008 financial crisis, in croatian government had reprioritise government spending programmes.

on 24 october 2015, sweden announced bid of jas 39 gripen c/d croatia s fighter replacement requirement, following request information croatian ministry of defence in june between 8 , 12 newly built aircraft replace croatian fleet of ageing mig-21bis aircraft. according ministry of defence s long-term development plan (ltdp), however, mig-21 remain in service until 2024 result of ongoing modernisation programmes. ltdp run 2015 2024 , scheduled have funding available replacement aircraft in 2019. second-hand f-16s country may considered.

on 20 november 2017, 2 major newspapers reported jas 39 gripen ms 20 compete against israeli f-16 barak in 2017 final tender new croatian multirole fighter. gripen competed against new f-16 block 70/72, f-16 barak israel, greek f-16 , korean fa-50. saab announced opening new inovation center in croatia purpose of developing science park, software center , research program related aviation , high-tech engineering - week before government s decision. sweden said has nothing croatian choice new mutlirole fighter, announced before bafo (best , final offer) croatia. saab s ceo håkan buskhe said goal creating jobs 200 300 croatian engineers develop software , computer systems, cybersecurity links , technical publications related defense, aviation, telecommunications, transportation , mobility.

finland

in june 2015, working group set finnish mod proposed starting program replace finnish air force s current fleet of f/a-18 hornets. group recognises 5 potential types: boeing f/a-18e/f super hornet, dassault rafale, eurofighter typhoon, lockheed martin f-35, , saab jas gripen.

in december 2015 finnish mod sent letter great britain, france, sweden , informing them fighter project had been launched in defence forces. goal of project replace hornet fleet, decommissioned of 2025, multi-role fighters. project has been named hx fighter program. jas-39 mentioned in letter potential fighter program. request information concerning hx fighter program sent in april 2016. 5 responses received in november 2016. official request quotation sent 5 aircraft manufacturers provided responses rfi, through 4 governments, in spring of 2018. goal start fighter candidates’ environmental testing in finland in 2019. buying decision scheduled take place in 2021.

india

saab gripen @ aero india 2011, yelahanka air force base bangalore

the gripen contender indian mrca competition 126 multirole combat aircraft. in april 2008, gripen international offered next generation gripen india s tender , opened office in new delhi support efforts in indian market. on 4 february 2009, saab announced had partnered india s tata group develop new gripen variant fit india s needs.

the indian air force (iaf) conducted extensive field trials , evaluated gripen s flight performance, logistics capability, weapons systems, advanced sensors , weapons firing. in april 2011, iaf rejected gripen s bid in favour of eurofighter typhoon , dassault rafale. senior indian air force officials, while happy improved capabilities of gripen ng, identified high reliance on us-supplied hardware, including electronics, weaponry , ge f414 engine, factor may hamper ability exported.

in 2015 after rafale order cut 36 aircraft, saab indicated willingness set joint production of gripen in india. in october 2016, reported saab, among other manufacturers, had been sent informal request-for-information query, resuming new competition single-engine fighter replace indian air force s soviet-built mig-21 , mig-27 aircraft. saab had submitted unsolicited bid .

in november 2017, saab pledged full gripen-e technology transfer india if s awarded contract.

indonesia

in july 2016, saab indonesia confirmed having submitted proposal earlier in year in response indonesian air force requirement. proposal included initial acquisition of 16 gripen c/d 1,5 billion usd, replace northrop f-5e tiger ii in service indonesian air force since 1980s. saab have expressed intention bid 100% comply indonesia s defence industry law 2012 (or, law number 16), requires foreign contractors work local industry, collaborating on production , sharing technology. indicated bid replace versions c/d version e, if indonesia willing accept longer delivery time. competing aircraft responding requirement include f-16v, su-35, rafale , typhoon.

philippines

in september 2016, saab announced intention open office in manila support campaign sell gripen fill philippine air force s requirement 12 mulitrole combat aircraft. saab intends offer ground infrastructure, integrated c2 systems , datalinks, similar capabilities offered royal thai air force.

poland

poland planning purchase 64 multirole combat aircraft 2021 part of country s modernisation plans. new fighters replace polish air force s ageing fleet of sukhoi su-22m4 fitter-k ground attack aircraft , mikoyan mig-29 fulcrum-a fighter aircraft. planned open tender procedure include jas 39 gripen e/f, lockheed martin f-35 lightning ii, newest variants of eurofighter typhoon , dassault rafale, , boeing f/a-18h/i advanced super hornet.

slovakia

on 30 august 2014, czech republic, slovakia , sweden signed letter of intent agreeing co-operate on using gripen, may lead acquisition of aircraft slovak air force. letter of intent laid foundation bilateral co-operation around common airspace surveillance of slovakia , czech republic. slovakia looking replace mig-29 fighters , gripen has been reported aircraft of choice, although requirement go open competition. may seek lease fighters rather buy, did neighbouring hungary , czech republic.

switzerland

in january 2008, swiss defence material administration invited gripen international submit bids replace nation s ageing f-5 fleet. saab responded initial proposal on 2 july 2008; other contenders dassault rafale , eurofighter typhoon. on 30 november 2011, swiss government announced decision buy 22 gripen ng aircraft 3.1 billion swiss francs. in 2012, confidential report of swiss air force s 2009 tests of 3 contenders leaked, had rated gripen performing substantially below both rafale , eurofighter. gripen assessed satisfactory reconnaissance unsatisfactory combat air patrol , strike missions. jas 39c/d evaluated, while gripen ng had been bid. parliamentary security commission found gripen offered risks, voted go ahead cheapest option. gripen considered satisfactory in roles.

on 25 august 2012, plan order confirmed both swedish , swiss authorities. deliveries expected run 2018 2021 @ fixed price of chf 3.126 billion (us$3.27 billion) including development costs, mission planning systems, initial spares , support, training, , certification; swedish government guaranteed price, performance , operational suitability. 8 jas 39cs , 3 jas 39ds leased 2016 2020 train swiss pilots , allow f-5s retired. in 2013, saab moved increase swiss industry offsets above 100% of deal value after swiss parliament s upper house voted down deal s financing. on 27 august 2013, national council s security commission approved purchase, followed lower , upper houses of parliament s approval in september 2013. elements of left , center of political spectrum criticized gripen unnecessary , expensive. on 18 may 2014, 53.4% of swiss voters voted against plan in national referendum. according press, objectors questioned role of fighter aircraft in general, , relevance of alternatives such uavs, surface-to-air missiles, or cyberwarfare capabilities.

in april 2015, switzerland set relaunch f-5e/f, , f/a-18c/d, replacement programme; gripen again considered favourite.

others

other nations have expressed interest in gripen include argentina (e/f versions brazil, subject uk veto), austria (c/d or e/f versions), belgium (e/f; sweden declined), canada, ecuador (c/d, or e/f brazil), estonia, kenya (c/d), latvia, lithuania, malaysia (c/d), mexico (c/d, or e/f brazil), namibia (c/d), peru (c/d, or e/f brazil), portugal (c/d), serbia, slovenia, uruguay (c/d, or e/f brazil) , vietnam.

saab s head of exports eddy de la motte has stated gripen s chances have improved nations waver in commitments f-35. richard aboulafia of teal group (an aerospace & defense analysis enterprise) has attributed difficulty securing export sales swedish government s inability offer same sort of strategic partnership rival aircraft manufacturing nations. in september 2013, saab s ceo håkan buskhe said envisioned gripen sales reach 400 or 450 aircraft.

failed bids
denmark

in 2007, denmark signed memorandum of understanding between defence ministers of sweden , denmark evaluate gripen replacement denmark s fleet of 48 f-16s. denmark requested development of gripen variants featuring more powerful engines, larger payloads, longer range, , additional avionics; request contributed saab s decision proceed jas e/f s development. denmark repeatedly delayed purchase decision; in 2013, saab indicated gripen 1 of 4 contenders danish purchase, alongside boeing s super hornet, lockheed martin s f-35 joint strike fighter, , eurofighter. denmark level-3 partner in jsf programme, , has invested us$200 million. final selection in mid-2015 24 30 fighters expected. swedish government announced on 21 july 2014 gripen s withdrawal danish competition, having chosen not respond invitation tender. on may 2016, denmark officially announced intend purchase 28 f35 fighters.

finland

gripen first export bid finland, competed against f-16, f/a-18, mig-29 , mirage 2000 replace finnish air force s j 35 draken , mig-21 fleet. in may 1992, mcdonnell douglas f/a-18 announced winner on performance , cost grounds. finnish minister of defence, elisabeth rehn, stated delays in gripen s development schedule had hurt chances in competition.

netherlands

in july 2008, netherlands announced evaluate gripen ng 4 other competitors; in response, saab offered 85 aircraft royal netherlands air force in august 2008. on 18 december 2008, reported netherlands had evaluated f-35 having better performance-price relation gripen ng. on 13 january 2009, nrc handelsblad claimed that, according swedish sources, saab had offered deliver 85 gripens €4.8 billion dutch air force, 1 billion euro cheaper budgeted f-35.

norway

on 18 january 2008, norwegian ministry of defence issued request binding information (rbi) swedish defence material administration, issued offer 48 gripens in april 2008. on 20 november 2008, selection of f-35 lightning ii royal norwegian air force announced, stating f-35 candidate meet operational requirements; media reports claimed requirements tilted in f-35 s favour. saab , sweden s defence minister sten tolgfors stated norway s cost calculations flawed; offer being 48 gripens on 20 years, norway had extrapolated operating 57 aircraft on 30 years, doubling cost; cost projections failed relate gripen s operational costs. norway calculated greater attrition losses sweden considered reasonable. according tolgfors, norway s decision complicated further export deals.

in december 2010 leaked united states diplomatic cables revealed united states deliberately delayed sweden s request access aesa radar until after norway s selection. cables indicated norwegian consideration of gripen show , norway had decided purchase f-35 due high-level political pressure us.

poland

the gripen c/d contender 48 multirole fighters polish air force started in 2001. on 27 december 2002, polish defence minister announced f-16c/d block 50/52+ s selection. according stephen larrabee, selection heavily influenced lockheed martin s lucrative offset agreement (totaling $3.5 billion , 170% offset against gripen international s €3.2 billion 146% offset) , political emphasis on poland s strategic relationship , nato. both gripen international , dassault aviation (who offered mirage 2000-5 mk 2) described decision political. according former polish military defence vice-minister, jas 39 offer better , included research participation proposals.

others

the gripen 1 of candidates replace austrian air force s ageing saab 35 drakens; eurofighter typhoon selected in 2003, being considered again due costs. swedish government decided not enter belgian contest. oman ended eurofighter typhoon. romania decided acquire used f-16s instead.