JAS-39 Gripen

JAS-39 Gripen airplane model. The JAS 39A represents the single-seater variant of the Gripen, while the JAS 39B is a two-seater operational trainer version. The JAS 39B shares the same avionics and weapons suite as the JAS 39A, except for the gun. The JAS 39C is the single-seat Batch 3 and export standard version, first delivered to the Swedish Air Force in September 2002, featuring color cockpit displays, an on-board oxygen generation system (OBOGS), and in-flight refueling capability. The JAS 39D will be a similarly upgraded two-seater model.

The Swedish Air Force is currently receiving deliveries of these aircraft, with a total of 204 ordered, including 28 two-seaters. As of June 2002, over 120 have been delivered, equipping two squadrons at F 7 and two at F 10, with introductions underway at F 21 and F 17. In November 1998, the South African Air Force placed an order for 28 Gripen multi-role aircraft, with Denel Aviation of South Africa tasked with producing parts of the center fuselage. Hungary signed a Memorandum of Understanding in November 2001 for the lease of 14 aircraft, comprising 12 JAS 39A single-seaters and two JAS 39B models. This agreement was updated in February 2003 to upgrade the single-seaters to the JAS 39C standard, with deliveries commencing in 2006.