The Gripen D fighter jet, a twin-seat version of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, plays a critical role in modern air defense and pilot training. Developed by Swedish aerospace company Saab, the Gripen D is part of the Gripen C/D series, an upgraded variant of the original A/B models. Designed for flexibility and compatibility with NATO operations, the Gripen D is used both for advanced flight training and real-world combat missions.
Equipped with two seats, the Gripen D allows for an instructor or mission support officer to join the pilot during flights. This makes it ideal for pilot conversion training, weapons testing, and mission simulations. The configuration also enables the aircraft to carry out operational missions that benefit from a two-person crew, especially those involving electronic warfare or complex tactical coordination. The Gripen D matches the single-seat Gripen C in terms of performance, avionics, and weapons systems.
The jet is powered by the Volvo RM12 engine, a Swedish-modified version of the GE F404. This engine provides the aircraft with a top speed exceeding Mach 2, though most operational flights occur at lower speeds. The Gripen D can break the transonic barrier easily, as seen in recent test flights where it reached Mach 1, or 768 miles per hour. The engine’s afterburner capability enhances speed and acceleration when needed during combat or high-speed maneuvers.
The fighter jet features a pulse-Doppler radar system, known as the PS-05/A, which allows for reliable target tracking and engagement in a range of conditions. The cockpit is designed with modern digital systems, including a glass cockpit layout with three multi-function displays and HOTAS (hands-on-throttle-and-stick) controls. These features provide the pilot with situational awareness and easy access to flight and mission data.
In terms of armament, the Gripen D is capable of carrying a wide array of weapons. These include air-to-air missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and IRIS-T, precision-guided bombs, and an internal 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon. Its electronic warfare suite includes radar warning receivers, jamming systems, and countermeasure dispensers, making it a capable platform for both defensive and offensive missions. The jet is also compatible with NATO’s Link 16 data link system, allowing for seamless communication with allied forces.
The Gripen D is actively used by the Swedish Air Force and has been leased to other countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic. It is valued for its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and ease of maintenance. With takeoff and landing capabilities on short runways, the jet is suited for operations from roads and remote locations, a significant advantage in modern combat scenarios.
Compared to other fourth-generation and 4.5-generation fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale, the Gripen D is lighter and more affordable, with an estimated unit cost between $60 million and $70 million. While the Typhoon and Rafale offer higher payloads and fuel capacity, the Gripen D stands out for its efficiency and technological balance. Unlike the fifth-generation F-35, it lacks stealth features but offers a simpler and less expensive alternative for many air forces.
The Gripen D continues to serve as a bridge to the next generation of Swedish aircraft. While the single-seat Gripen E and the two-seat Gripen F are now being promoted for export, the Gripen D remains in service and will continue to play an essential role into the 2030s. Saab has indicated that the D model is key to their sales strategy, especially as more countries consider mixed fleets to reduce reliance on US-made fighters. Saab’s offer to build Gripen fighters in other countries, including a recent proposal to Canada, shows their strategy to adapt to shifting defense landscapes while maintaining strong national defense capabilities.