The Swedish Armed Forces have officially received their first Saab Gripen E multirole fighter aircraft during a ceremony at the Skaraborg Air Wing (F 7) in Såtenäs on October 20, 2025. The event marked a major step in the modernization of Sweden’s air capabilities.
Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson called the delivery “an important day for the Air Force and for Sweden’s defense.” He highlighted that Gripen E represents a new generation of combat aircraft equipped with advanced electronic warfare systems, rapid software update capability, and emerging artificial intelligence features.
The transfer was symbolized by a pilot from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) handing over the aircraft’s logbook to Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman. “The receipt of the JAS 39 Gripen E marks an important milestone in the development of the Swedish defense,” said Commander-in-Chief Michael Claesson, emphasizing the cooperation between the Armed Forces, FMV, and Swedish industry.
Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman added, “We are getting a fighter aircraft developed to meet a qualified adversary and the complex operational environment we must operate in. It builds on the flexible characteristics of the current Gripen but with better performance and an advanced sensor suite that gives us superior situational awareness.”
Upgraded CapabilitiesThe Gripen E incorporates major improvements over the Gripen C/D, including the GE F414G engine, increased fuel capacity, and ten external hardpoints for greater payload flexibility. Its avionics feature a software-defined modular architecture, Raven ES-05 AESA radar, Skyward-G infrared search-and-track system, and the Arexis electronic-warfare suite.
Designed to operate from short runways or dispersed bases, the aircraft maintains Sweden’s traditional defense strategy of mobility and survivability. It will be armed with Meteor and IRIS-T air-to-air missiles, as well as precision-guided munitions for strike missions.
Saab began developing the Gripen E in 2011 under a 2013 agreement with FMV for 60 aircraft. Continued investments include a SEK 2.9 billion ($270 million) package in 2025 to sustain dual operations with Gripen C/D models. Sweden also continues to upgrade its existing fleet to ensure interoperability.
The Gripen E’s induction comes 18 months after Sweden joined NATO in March 2024. The aircraft is expected to enhance the country’s contribution to the alliance by integrating seamlessly into NATO’s air operations. Earlier this year, Swedish Gripen C/Ds participated in NATO’s Air Policing mission in Poland, underscoring Sweden’s expanding role in collective defense.