Saab to Upgrade Engine, Radar, Electronic Warfare Suite of Sweden's Gripen Jets

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has asked Saab to provide capability enhancements to the Air Force’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D.

The order value is approximately SEK 3.5 billion ($336 million) and the contract period is 2023-2029. The contract also includes options that enable FMV to place additional orders for capability enhancements during 2023.

The aircraft will be equipped with a new version of the engine, which will enhance flight performance. A more effective electronic warfare system will also be introduced and the upgrade will create conditions for increased attack capability with a new payload.

The order encompasses an upgrade to Saab’s latest fighter radar, which provides increased performance with emphasis on enhanced fighter capability and extended detection and tracking range. It also includes an upgraded avionic system which, among other features, enables fast software updates of the sensor function.

The capability enhancement will enable better interoperability between Gripen C/D and Gripen E, for example by the upgrade of support systems and data links. Interoperability is a prerequisite as the platforms will be used in parallel over many years.

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