PUBLISHED on August 12, 2025, 2:52 PM EDT – Key Points and Summary – A hypothetical matchup pits the operational Swedish JAS 39 Gripen against the experimental American YF-23 “Black Widow II.” The two aircraft represent entirely different design philosophies.
-The YF-23 prototype was a marvel of its time, prioritizing superior stealth, speed, and altitude.
-In contrast, the fourth-generation Gripen is a combat-proven, cost-effective, and highly agile multi-role fighter.
-While the YF-23 holds the technological edge, the Gripen’s practicality, modern avionics, and proven combat readiness make it a formidable and flexible platform, meaning the “better” fighter depends entirely on the mission and context.
Here’s Who Wins: Sweden’s Gripen vs. the YF-23
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a prominent fourth-generation multi-role fighter that has garnered an impressive reputation on the international market. The Gripen is often praised for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. On the other hand, the YF-23 was an experimental fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Northrop and McDonnell Douglas.
The fighter ultimately lost to the F-22 Raptor but boasted several advanced features.
Had the YF-23 been accepted into service, it would likely have had to compete against the JAS 39 Gripen (although it probably would not have been exported).
Which fighter wins in a fight, and which fighter is better overall?
The JAS 39 vs. the YF-23
Sweden’s Saab AB developed the JAS 39 Gripen as a lightweight, single-engine multirole fighter. It was designed to be cost-effective, easy to maintain, and capable of operating from short, rugged runways, an essential feature for Sweden’s dispersed defense strategy.
The Gripen was designed to replace older Swedish aircraft, such as the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen, and has since evolved into a competent platform with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems, and network-centric capabilities. It is currently in service with several countries, including Sweden, Brazil, South Africa, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Thailand.
In contrast, the YF-23 Black Widow II was developed by Northrop and McDonnell Douglas as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program in the late 1980s. It was designed to counter advanced Soviet fighters such as the Su-27 and MiG-29.
The YF-23 was a stealth-focused, twin-engine prototype that competed against Lockheed’s YF-22, which ultimately won the competition and became the F-22 Raptor. Only two YF-23 prototypes were built, and the aircraft never entered operational service.
Design Philosophies
The design philosophies of the two aircraft are starkly different. The Gripen emphasizes multirole flexibility, with the ability to perform air-to-air, air-to-ground, and reconnaissance missions. Its delta wing and canard configuration provide high agility and short takeoff and landing capabilities. The aircraft features a digital fly-by-wire system that enhances maneuverability and safety, and its modular architecture allows for easy upgrades and maintenance.
The YF-23, on the other hand, was designed with stealth and speed as top priorities. Its diamond-shaped wings, all-moving V-tail ruddervators, and aligned edges were all optimized to reduce radar cross-section. The aircraft was powered by either the GE YF120 or the Pratt & Whitney YF119 engines, both of which enabled supercruise. The YF-23 was capable of reaching speeds over Mach 2 and altitudes up to 65,000 feet, making it one of the fastest and highest-flying stealth aircraft ever built.
Performance and Armament
When comparing performance metrics, the YF-23 outperforms the Gripen in terms of raw speed, altitude, and stealth. The Gripen E variant can reach speeds of Mach 2 and has a combat radius of around 1,500 kilometers, while the YF-23 was estimated to have a range of approximately 2,800 kilometers. The YF-23’s ceiling was significantly higher, and its stealth characteristics were more advanced due to its shape and materials. However, the Gripen’s avionics are more modern and fully integrated, including the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, Skyward-G infrared search and track (IRST) system, and a comprehensive electronic warfare suite.
The Gripen is equipped with a wide array of operational weapons, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 AMRAAM and IRIS-T, air-to-ground munitions such as the GBU-12 Paveway II and AGM-65 Maverick, and a 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon for close-range combat. It also supports electronic warfare pods and reconnaissance equipment. In contrast, the YF-23, being a prototype, was never fully armed for combat but was designed to carry a similar loadout to the F-22, including internal bays for AIM-120 AMRAAMs and AIM-9 Sidewinders, as well as potential ground-attack capabilities. While the YF-23’s internal weapons bays emphasized stealth, the Gripen’s external hardpoints offer greater flexibility and proven combat readiness.
Which Fighter is Better?
The Gripen is a cost-effective solution for countries seeking modern air power without the financial burden of fifth-generation fighters, such as the F-35. Its export success and adaptability make it a viable option for a wide range of air forces.
The YF-23, while never operational, had a significant influence on stealth aircraft design and remains a symbol of what could have been. It was a high-speed, ultra-stealthy interceptor that may have changed the landscape of air combat had it been adopted.
So, which aircraft is better?
The answer depends entirely on the context. The Gripen is in active service, combat-tested, and offers excellent performance at a fraction of the cost of fifth-generation fighters. For raw technological innovation, the YF-23 was ahead of its time.
Its stealth, speed, and aerodynamic design were revolutionary, and many believe it could have outperformed the F-22 in certain roles.
For strategic flexibility, the Gripen again emerges as the top choice. Its modular design, low maintenance requirements, and multi-role capability make it ideal for a wide range of missions and air forces.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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