Gripen C/D updates to continue
December 20, 2024
Saab says that this contract extension will ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cornerstone of Sweden’s military capabilities for many years to come, while the integration of new missile systems will significantly improve the operational capabilities of the Gripen C/D, and will help to keep the aircraft operationally viable.
Some have speculated that the new missile systems could include the Taurus KEPD 350, which is understood to be one of the options to meet the long-standing Swedish air force requirement to field a stand-off cruise missile. Sweden’s status as a new NATO member could lead it to look at US weapons in service or due to enter service with some of its neighbours, possibly including the AGM-158B JASSM-ER, which has been ordered by Finland and Poland, or the GBU-53/B Stormbreaker, being acquired by Norway and Finland for their F-35As.
The new weapons could include a laser-guided Sidewinder variant, building on the development of a similar weapon for German Tornados by Diehl and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). Testing began in Sweden in 2018.
Gripen’s hardware-agnostic split avionics design allows updates or changes to be made to mission software, without the requirement to re-certify the flight critical software. This means that it is much faster to integrate a new weapon on the Gripen platform than it would be on any other platform.
Lars Tossman, the Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area noted that: “The extension of the Gripen C/D contract marks an important step forward for our defence. The integration of new advanced missile systems demonstrates our commitment to delivering high-quality solutions. We are proud to contribute to Sweden’s defence capability through this contract.”
Magnus Wallén, project manager for Jas 39 Gripen C/D block updates at FMV said that: “The order, which includes integration of advanced weapon systems, consolidates the Jas 39 Gripen C/D as the backbone of Swedish air defence and a continued major contribution to Swedish defence capability.”
