Sweden advances plans to replace iconic Gripen fighters PHOTO

Sweden continues its tradition of indigenous fighter development, with Saab signing a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to conduct conceptual studies for a next-generation aircraft set to replace the JAS 39 Gripen.

The new agreement extends arrangements made in March 2024 and covers the conceptual work phase for the period 2024–2027, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The project is allocated around SEK 2.6 billion (approximately USD 270 million). The aim is not to produce a prototype by 2027, but to develop core technologies and demonstration platforms.

The programme encompasses solutions not only for the aircraft itself but also for an integrated system, including unmanned fighter drones.

The initial concept, known as the F-series, envisages a manned fighter accompanied by a range of drones in three classes: two subsonic (light, up to 1 t; medium, up to 5 t) and one supersonic fighter drone exceeding 5 t.

All platforms are to operate in coordination with each other and with an upgraded Gripen E. Defence analysts believe the supersonic fighter drone is closest to practical implementation, incorporating many technologies from the Gripen E.

"All these platforms are intended to operate not only in concert with each other but also alongside an upgraded Gripen E. At present, the fighter drone is the nearest to realisation, drawing heavily on Gripen E solutions," the report notes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev