Gripen vs F‑35: Why Sweden's fighter remains underrated
According to former Pentagon consultant Reuben F. Johnson, the F-35 fighter jets, ordered by many countries worldwide, are not necessarily the best option. The expert highlights the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen, which he describes as often underrated. In recent months, they have been considered as a potential reinforcement for Ukraine.
The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine multirole fighter produced by SAAB. The number of its users is quite limited; in Europe, it includes only the air forces of Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Hungary. Reuben F. Johnson believes that despite the numerous advantages of this aircraft, the issues with its sales on a broader international scale can be puzzling, especially in comparison to the U.S.-made F-16 and F-35 fighters.
Expert opinion on JAS 39 Gripen fighters
Comparing the JAS 39 Gripen with the F-35, Reuben F. Johnson emphasised that the Swedish fighter has a better quality-to-price ratio and additionally features lower operating costs, adaptability to various weapon systems, and unique capabilities such as operating from improvised runways.
"It has the lowest cost-per-flight hour of any other combat aircraft in service with any NATO air force. It is the only fighter in the world designed for and capable of dispersing off main air bases and conducting operations from highway airstrips, which reduces vulnerability in wartime," assesses Reuben F. Johnson.
Will JAS 39 Gripen appear over Ukraine?
The JAS 39 Gripen measures about 14 metres and reaches speeds of up to Mach 2 (about 1,200 mph). The Swedish aircraft can operate at an altitude of up to 18,000 metres.
The standard armament includes the Mauser BK-27 cannon with a calibre of 27 mm. In addition, the JAS 39 Gripen is equipped to carry various missiles and bombs. These may include AIM-9 Sidewinder, IRIS-T, AIM-120 AMRAAM, or AGM-65 Maverick missiles, as well as Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missiles and Mark 82 bombs.
Due to its ability to carry different types of armaments and operate from makeshift runways (from about an 800-metre section of road) and relatively low operational costs, the JAS 39 Gripen is considered an ideal aircraft for Ukraine. The Swedish authorities do not exclude that their transfer is possible, but in the not-too-distant future, as NATO currently focuses on strengthening Ukraine with F-16 fighters.
