High above southern Sweden, the Gripen D fighter jet cuts through the sky, flying near the speed of sound. In a test flight, a former air force major steers the aircraft with swift maneuvers. The jet reveals the island of Gotland below — a strategic location close to Russia. Soon after, the afterburner activates. The aircraft breaks the transonic barrier, reaching Mach 1, or 768 miles per hour — only half of its full speed.
The Gripen, made by Swedish company Saab, is Sweden’s frontline defense against nearby threats, including Russia. Despite its importance at home, the jet has had a difficult time attracting foreign buyers. The last major sale was to Brazil in 2014, when it ordered 36 units. In contrast, competing jets from other countries have secured many deals.
However, interest in the Gripen fighter jet is growing again. Thailand and Colombia have decided to purchase the aircraft. Saab is now in talks with other countries like Peru and the Philippines. Brazil is also considering increasing its order by 25%. Saab’s CEO Micael Johansson says the program is entering a more active phase.
Europe’s defense landscape has shifted since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Many countries are increasing military budgets and rethinking their reliance on American weapons. US President Donald Trump has urged NATO allies to spend more, while questioning US commitment to European defense. This has made European governments consider local options more seriously.
Portugal, for example, is weighing the Gripen against US-made aircraft like the F-35. Concerns over long-term reliability and support from the US are influencing these decisions. Switzerland’s deal for the F-35 is also facing challenges due to financial concerns.
The Gripen’s lower long-term cost and its solid performance record are attracting more attention. Johansson noted that several countries are thinking about using a mix of jets, and Saab is ready to provide solutions. “If countries want to consider a dual fleet, we’re open to that,” he said.
Sweden has been producing fighter aircraft since the 1940s. Its tradition of self-reliance helped shape the Gripen, but this independence also limited sales. Competing jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and France’s Rafale come with strong support from large NATO countries.
These three European fighters are classified as 4.5-generation jets. They offer advanced technology compared to older models. The Gripen stands out for its cost-effectiveness, advanced sensors, and ability to take off from short runways. The Eurofighter and Rafale are heavier, faster, and can carry more fuel and weapons.
Still, none of these jets match the US-made F-35 in stealth and network integration. Thirteen European countries, including Finland, Norway, and Denmark, have chosen the F-35. Some plan to buy even more.
In Europe, Saab has leased Gripens to Hungary and the Czech Republic. The Rafale has been sold to Greece and Croatia. The Typhoon has only been bought by Austria outside of its sponsoring countries.
Saab argues that the Gripen’s sensors, such as powerful radar systems, make it a strong competitor even against newer fifth-generation fighters. Yet in global sales, the Gripen still lags far behind. Its export orders are only a fraction of those for the F-35.
Experts estimate the Gripen’s cost at $80–$90 million per unit. The F-35 is cheaper in some cases because it is in mass production. The Rafale and Typhoon are usually more expensive, although exact prices vary by deal.
Saab’s stock has climbed in recent years, reflecting growing investor confidence in defense spending. As European countries invest billions — even trillions — in new weapons, Saab sees this as an opportunity to gain market share.
Some experts warn the opportunity may be brief. If relations with the US improve, countries may quickly return to buying American-made equipment. Still, any existing contracts for Gripens would remain unchanged.
Mikael Franzén, head of marketing for the Gripen, says more countries are looking at using mixed fleets. Saab is adjusting its sales strategy to speed up the purchasing process.
In the past, Europe heavily relied on the US for military gear. But that is changing. According to analyst Sheila Kahyaoglu, Europe is now producing more of its own aircraft. The US will continue to lead in missiles and air defense systems, she said.
Even so, experts caution that countries must balance independence with diplomacy. Saab is currently offering both the single-seat Gripen E and the two-seat Gripen F. The Gripen D used in recent tests will remain in Swedish service into the 2030s.
Canada is also reviewing its order for 88 F-35 jets after tensions with the US. Saab has offered to build Gripens in Canada, which may influence the final decision. Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed that the Gripen is being reconsidered as an alternative.
