Key Points and Summary on the JAS 39 – The Swedish-made Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a highly capable 4.5-generation fighter that compensates for its lack of all-aspect stealth with advanced electronic warfare and superior “sensor fusion” capabilities.
-According to its pilots, the Gripen’s ability to network with other assets and automatically analyze data allows it to detect and target even stealthy opponents.
The Saab JAS 39E Gripen is Sweden’s modern multi-role fighter, built specifically for versatility and resilience against Russian threats. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
While not a true stealth fighter like the F-35, the Gripen is an affordable, versatile, and easy-to-maintain “hot rod” that is gaining traction on the export market, with countries like Canada reportedly considering it as a cost-effective alternative to the American jet.
No Stealth Like F-22 or F-35? No Problem for the JAS 39 Gripen
Nobody in Sweden is griping about the Gripen. I’m referring to the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, which is emerging as one of the most intriguing warplanes in Europe. The JAS 39 is a fourth-generation + or even ++ airplane. It is perfect for air policing – a badly needed mission for Sweden, as the country has just joined NATO. The Gripen is also a valuable asset on the export market, and Canada is considering it in lieu of the American F-35.
But one problem with the Gripen is its lack of stealth. It is not fully packed with radar evasion qualities like the F-35 and F-22. A good pilot can overcome these deficiencies to a certain extent, but the limited stealth attributes have some countries rethinking whether they want to purchase the Gripen.
The Gripen takes on the shape of most fourth-generation airplanes and could be compared to the F-16 or F-15. It doesn’t have the rounded edges or smooth contours of the F-35 and F-22.
The JAS 39 Gripen Already Has Satisfied Customers
Does that really matter? Countries that fly the JAS 39, like Brazil, the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Sweden, and Thailand, do not seem to mind. The JAS 39 offers versatility and speed, making it a good choice for emerging air forces in the developing world and in Europe.
The Gripen emerged from the Cold War and entered into another threat environment from Russia in the 2010s and 2020s. It was designed to be turned around quickly after missions with low levels of maintenance and repair needs. The airplane is easier to service than the F-35 and F-22.
Sensor Fusion Gives It Unique Qualities
The JAS 39 also has enviable electronic warfare systems that can spoof enemy radar. This makes it a valuable asset when flying missions in a multi-threat, contested environment.
What the Gripen lacks in stealth, it makes up for in computing power. It utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning in the cockpit to enhance situational awareness and survivability. The Gripen also features what Saab calls “sensor fusion,” a technology the company has been developing for 50 years. This automatically analyzes information collected by the jet.
Take It From a Gripen Test Pilot
Jussi Halmetoja works for Saab as an operational advisor. He has flown over 2,300 hours. Halmetoja had this to say about how the Gripen works as a flying computer and data networking beast.
“We’ve realized long ago the necessity to implement sensor fusion throughout the entire command and control networks – not only on a singular aircraft, but also the entire networks, such as aircraft, the early warning radars, other sensors,” Halmetoja told Huskit.net.
JAS 39 Gripen. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
JAS 39 Gripen over the Ocean. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
The sensor fusion makes pilots “smarter” and gives the warbird the ability to identify and track multiple targets with ease.
But the F-35 is also billed as a stealth “flying computer.” Both airplanes possess the kind of computing power that makes them among the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
Stealthiness is still a question mark for the JAS 39 Gripen. It can’t compete with the Lightning II in radar evasion. But it can identify hidden targets on the ground in surface attack modes.
Halmetoja explained further, “As a result, now that stealthy target is not so stealthy anymore. Now I can see you, and that means that you’re in trouble!”
Lack of Radar Evasion Due to Design
The Gripen also lacks internal weapons bays, unlike stealth airplanes. The external hardpoints can carry an enviable array of weapons, but this outward signature makes it easier to spot on radar. The Saab model also lacks the required stealth coatings that fifth-generation warbirds possess, which increases its radar signature.
Canada May Pull the Trigger and Buy Gripens
However, the airplane is still popular on the export market. Canada is considering a Gripen purchase. The Canadians have placed an order for 88 F-35s and have already paid for the initial batch. However, the United States is not as popular in the Great White North due to an unresolved trade war and insults lobbed at Canadians by President Donald Trump.
Canada could cancel the F-35 deal and look to the Gripen as an alternative for its fighter needs to replace the aging CF-18 jet. Saab is prepared for this contingency and may even allow Canada to produce some Gripen components domestically should an agreement be finalized.
The Canadians would still have to grapple with the JAS 39’s lack of stealthiness but would likely look on the bright side and be satisfied with the redeeming features of the Swedish-produced warbird.
The JAS 39 Gripen still features sensor fusion and interoperability with NATO aircraft. This would serve Canada well. The Canadians may have to answer the call if the Russians invade an allied country, and the CF-18 alone will not cut it. Canadian pilots would have to overcome adversaries during a dogfight without the stealth qualities of the F-35, and success would largely depend on the ability of Canadian pilots to adapt to the Gripen quickly.
Sweden will have to explain to potential customers that the JAS 39 Gripen does not have full stealth capabilities, but this shortcoming can be mitigated by emphasizing its other features. It has the kind of reliability and survivability that is so needed in 21st-century warfare.
It is the perfect fighter for air policing, and it can produce positive results if a dog fight sparks up. The Gripen is the right choice for many air forces seeking quality at an affordable price. The lack of stealthiness can be overlooked.
About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood
Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
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