Editing Saab JAS 39 Gripen (section)

===JAS 39E/F and other developments {{anchor|Gripen NG|NG}}===
[[File:Saab JAS-39 of the Swedish Air Force undergoing inflight refuelling from a TP 84 Hercules (6803019594).jpg|thumb|Swedish Air Force Gripen C undergoing in-flight refuelling]]

A two-seat aircraft, designated "Gripen Demo", was ordered in 2007 as a testbed for various upgrades.<ref>{{Cite press release |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/about-saab/newsroom/press-releases--news/2007---6/gripen-demo--trail-blazing-the-future/ |title= Gripen Demo − Trail-blazing the future |publisher= Saab |date= 19 June 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103090849/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/about-saab/newsroom/press-releases--news/2007---6/gripen-demo--trail-blazing-the-future/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013}}</ref><ref name= FI_Saab_reveals_Demo>{{cite web |last= Hoyle |first=Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-saab-reveals-gripen-demo-aircraft-223212/ |title= Pictures: Saab reveals Gripen Demo aircraft |work= [[FlightGlobal]] |date= 23 April 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103233856/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-saab-reveals-gripen-demo-aircraft-223212/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> It was powered by the [[General Electric F414#Variants|General Electric F414G]], a development of the [[Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet]]'s engine.<ref name= NG_capabilities>{{cite web |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |date= 25 April 2008 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saabs-demo-aircraft-to-highlight-gripen-ng-capabilities-223299/ |title= Saab's Demo aircraft to highlight Gripen NG capabilities |work= [[FlightGlobal]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103233859/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saabs-demo-aircraft-to-highlight-gripen-ng-capabilities-223299/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Gripen&nbsp;NG's maximum takeoff weight was increased from 14,000 to 16,000&nbsp;kg (30,900–35,300&nbsp;lb), internal fuel capacity was increased by 40&nbsp;per&nbsp;cent by relocating the undercarriage, which also allowed for two additional [[hardpoint]]s be added on the fuselage underside.  Its combat radius was {{Convert|1,300|km}} when carrying 6 AAMs (4 RR + 2 IR) and external tank.<ref name= FI_Saab_reveals_Demo /><ref name=gripenNGforRNLAF2008Aug>{{cite web |url= http://www.jsfnieuws.nl/wp-content/NLGRIPENPRESSBRIEFAug08.pdf |title= Gripen NG for the RNLAF |place= Netherlands |newspaper= JSF nieuws |date= August 2008 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103202954/http://www.jsfnieuws.nl/wp-content/NLGRIPENPRESSBRIEFAug08.pdf |archive-date= 3 November 2013}}</ref> The [[PS-05/A]] radar is replaced by the new Raven&nbsp;ES-05<ref>{{Citation |title= Raven |publisher= Selex ES |url= http://www.selex-es.com/-/raven-1 |access-date= 8 June 2015 |archive-date= 18 March 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150318140433/http://www.selex-es.com/-/raven-1 |url-status= live}}</ref> [[active electronically scanned array]] (AESA) radar, which is based on the Vixen AESA radar family from [[Selex ES]] (since 2016 Finmeccanica, then [[Leonardo S.p.A.]]).<ref>{{Cite news |last= Schaerlaeckens |first= Leander |url= http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/04/16/Gripen-NG-to-carry-new-Finmeccanica-Selex-radar/UPI-74931239892716/ |title= Gripen NG to carry new Finmeccanica-Selex radar |work= United Press International |date= 16 April 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104082426/http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2009/04/16/Gripen-NG-to-carry-new-Finmeccanica-Selex-radar/UPI-74931239892716/ |archive-date= 4 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="flight radar">{{cite web |last=Trimble |first=Stephen |date= 7 July 2012 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-saab-gripen-features-new-aesa-radar-373868/ |place= Farnborough |title= Saab Gripen features new AESA radar |work=[[FlightGlobal]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103061610/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/farnborough-saab-gripen-features-new-aesa-radar-373868/ |archive-date=3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Gripen Demo's [[maiden flight]] was conducted on 27 May 2008.<ref name= gripen_demo>{{Cite press release |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/about-saab/newsroom/press-releases--news/2008---5/saabs-maiden-flight-with-gripen-demo/ |title= Saab's maiden flight with Gripen Demo |publisher= Saab |date= 27 May 2007 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103090927/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/about-saab/newsroom/press-releases--news/2008---5/saabs-maiden-flight-with-gripen-demo/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |access-date= 21 July 2011}}</ref> On 21&nbsp;January 2009, the Gripen Demo flew at Mach&nbsp;1.2+ at 28,000&nbsp;ft (8,540 m) without reheat to test its [[supercruise]] capability.<ref>{{cite web |last= Hoyle |first=Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-celebrates-supercruise-test-success-for-gripen-321428/ |title= Saab celebrates 'supercruise' test success for Gripen Demo |work= [[FlightGlobal]] |date= 22 January 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103232829/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-celebrates-supercruise-test-success-for-gripen-321428/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> The Gripen Demo served as a basis for the Gripen&nbsp;E/F, also referred to as the Gripen&nbsp;NG (Next Generation) and MS&nbsp;(Mission System) 21.<ref name= AW_Sweetman1>{{cite web |last= Sweetman |first= William 'Bill' |date= 14 June 2010 |url= http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:34903d28-5d5a-4d03-99cc-6c12038c0ab4 |title= New Gripen Firms Up |work= Aviation Week |publisher= Penton Media |location= New York |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140112030210/http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post:34903d28-5d5a-4d03-99cc-6c12038c0ab4 |archive-date= 12 January 2014 |issn= 0005-2175}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |title= Sweden will buy new Gripen |url= http://www.dailyairforce.com/175/sweden-will-buy-new-gripen/ |newspaper= Daily Air Force |quote= …a common configuration known as Materiel Standard (MS)… |access-date= 8 June 2015 |archive-date= 6 October 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141006091744/http://www.dailyairforce.com/175/sweden-will-buy-new-gripen/ |url-status= usurped}}</ref>

Saab studied a variant of the Gripen capable of operating from aircraft carriers in the 1990s. In 2009, it launched the Sea Gripen project in response to India's [[request for information]] on a [[carrier-based aircraft]]. Brazil may also require new carrier aircraft.<ref name= naval_Gripen /><ref name= DID_BRAZIL>{{Cite news |url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/brazil-embarking-upon-f-x2-fighter-program-04179/ |title= F-X2: Brazil Picks Saab's JAS-39 Gripen-NG over Rafale, Super Hornet |date= 13 July 2014 |work= Defense Industry Daily |orig-year= 7 April 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140111132446/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/brazil-embarking-upon-f-x2-fighter-program-04179/ |archive-date= 11 January 2014}}</ref> Following a meeting with [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MoD) officials in May 2011, Saab agreed to establish a development center in the UK to expand on the Sea Gripen concept.<ref name= sea_gripen_1411>{{cite web |last= Hoyle |first=Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-to-complete-sea-gripen-design-work-in-uk-357137/ |title= Saab to complete Sea Gripen design work in UK |work=[[FlightGlobal]] |date= 14 May 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104012000/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-to-complete-sea-gripen-design-work-in-uk-357137/ |archive-date= 4 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Saab's Lennart Sindahl stated that development of an optionally manned Gripen&nbsp;E capable of flying unmanned operations was being explored by the firm; further development of optionally manned and carrier versions would require customer commitment.<ref>{{cite web |last1= Pocock |first1=Chris |first2= David |last2= Donald |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/paris-air-show/2013-06-19/defense-primes-discuss-fighter-updates-paris-2013 |title= Defense Primes Discuss Fighter Updates at Paris 2013 |work= AIN Online |date= 19 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217063152/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/paris-air-show/2013-06-19/defense-primes-discuss-fighter-updates-paris-2013 |archive-date= 17 December 2013}}</ref><ref name="UAV">{{cite web |title= Sweden: Saab mulls development of Gripen UCAV |url= http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7092:sweden-saab-mulls-development-of-gripen-ucav&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57 |work= Defense Market Intelligence |date= 21 June 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131217071107/http://dmilt.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7092:sweden-saab-mulls-development-of-gripen-ucav&catid=1:europe&Itemid=57 |archive-date= 17 December 2013}}</ref> On 6 November 2014, the Brazilian Navy expressed interest in a carrier-based Gripen.<ref>{{cite press release |url= http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/158748/brazilian-navy-sees-possible-sea-gripen.html |title= FAB Signs Acquisition Agreement for Gripen NG Which Will Benefit the Navy of Brazil |date= 6 November 2014 |website= Defense-aerospace |publisher= Brazilian navy |access-date= 12 November 2014 |archive-date= 7 March 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160307142228/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/158748/brazilian-navy-sees-possible-sea-gripen.html |url-status= dead}}</ref>

In 2010, Sweden awarded Saab a four-year contract to improve the Gripen's radar and other equipment, integrate new weapons, and lower its operating costs.<ref>{{cite web |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sweden-funds-new-weapons-radar-boost-for-saab-gripen-339526/ |title= Sweden funds new weapons, radar boost for Saab Gripen |work=[[FlightGlobal]] |date= 16 March 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103233623/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sweden-funds-new-weapons-radar-boost-for-saab-gripen-339526/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2010, Saab stated that Sweden planned to order the Gripen&nbsp;NG, designated JAS&nbsp;39E/F, and was to enter service in 2017 or earlier dependent on export orders.<ref name= AW_Sweetman1 /> On 25&nbsp;August 2012, following Switzerland's intention to buy 22 of the E/F variants, Sweden announced it planned to buy 40–60&nbsp;Gripen E/Fs.<ref name= DID>{{cite web |url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/switzerland-replacing-its-f-5s-04624/ |title= Switzerland Replacing Old F-5 Fighters with New Gripen |work= Defense Industry Daily |date= 12 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103170231/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/switzerland-replacing-its-f-5s-04624/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013}}</ref> On 17&nbsp;January 2013, the Swedish government decided to purchase 60&nbsp;Gripen&nbsp;Es.<ref name="e order">{{cite web |last=Hoyle |first=Craig |date=17 January 2013 |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/swedish-government-approves-60-aircraft-gripen-e-programme-381184/ |title=Swedish government approves 60-aircraft Gripen E programme |work=[[FlightGlobal]] |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131103062834/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/swedish-government-approves-60-aircraft-gripen-e-programme-381184/ |archive-date= 3 November 2013 |url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |publisher= Reuters |url= https://www.reuters.com/article/saab-idUSL6N0AM3BG20130117 |date= 17 January 2013 |title= Swedish government OKs purchase of 60 Saab Gripen jets |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131104014223/https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/17/saab-idUSL6N0AM3BG20130117 |archive-date= 4 November 2013}}</ref> Subsequent to a national referendum in 2014 Switzerland decided not to procure replacement fighters and postponed their procurement process.

In July 2013, assembly began on the first pre-production Gripen&nbsp;E.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2013-07-12/gripen-fires-production-meteor-gripen-e-assembly-begins |title= Gripen Fires Production Meteor; Gripen E Assembly Begins |last= Donald |first= David |publisher= AIN online |date= 12 July 2013 |access-date= 3 April 2014 |archive-date= 5 September 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140905120603/http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/ain-defense-perspective/2013-07-12/gripen-fires-production-meteor-gripen-e-assembly-begins |url-status= dead}}</ref> Originally 60 JAS 39Cs were to be retrofitted as JAS 39Es by 2023,<ref>{{Cite press release |publisher= Saab |url= http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2013---12/Saab-far-serieproduktionsbestallning-pa-Gripen-E-for-Sverige/ |title= Saab får serieproduktionsbeställning på Gripen E för Sverige |date= 18 December 2013 |language=sv|trans-title= Saab receives order for series production Gripen E for Sweden |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131226222454/http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Saab/Newsroom/Press-releases--News/2013---12/Saab-far-serieproduktionsbestallning-pa-Gripen-E-for-Sverige/ |archive-date= 26 December 2013 |access-date= 26 December 2013}}</ref> but this was revised to Gripen&nbsp;Es having new-built airframes and some reused parts from JAS&nbsp;39Cs.<ref>{{cite news |first= Monica |last= Kleja |title= Nya Gripen utmanar ryska stridsflygplanen |url= http://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/nya-gripen-utmanar-ryska-stridsflygplanen-6574644 |date= 17 May 2016 |work= Ny Teknik |language= sv |access-date= 23 May 2016 |archive-date= 24 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170124040239/http://www.nyteknik.se/fordon/nya-gripen-utmanar-ryska-stridsflygplanen-6574644 |url-status= live}}</ref> In March 2014, Saab revealed the detailed design and indicated plans to receive military type certification in 2018.<ref name= "Hoyle 2014‐03‐13">{{cite web |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-reveals-full-gripen-e-design-cost-savings-396977/ |title= Saab reveals full Gripen E design, cost savings |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |date= 13 March 2014 |work= FlightGlobal |access-date= 13 March 2014 |archive-date= 13 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170313200034/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/saab-reveals-full-gripen-e-design-cost-savings-396977/ |url-status= live}}</ref> The first Gripen&nbsp;E was rolled out on 18&nbsp;May 2016.<ref>{{cite web |work= Thai military & Asia region |date= 18 May 2016 |publisher= Word press |url= https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/pictures-saab-rolls-out-first-gripen-e-fighter/ |title= Saab rolls out first Gripen E fighter – with video |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180813072613/https://thaimilitaryandasianregion.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/pictures-saab-rolls-out-first-gripen-e-fighter/ |archive-date= 13 August 2018 |url-status= dead}}</ref> Saab delayed the first flight from 2016 to 2017 to focus on civilian-grade software certification;<ref>{{cite web |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |title= Gripen E flight slips into 2017 as Saab puts software first |work= FlightGlobal |date= 24 November 2016 |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gripen-e-flight-slips-into-2017-as-saab-puts-softwar-431790/ |place= London |access-date= 8 January 2024 |archive-date= 18 January 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170118052211/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gripen-e-flight-slips-into-2017-as-saab-puts-softwar-431790/ |url-status= live}}</ref> high speed taxi tests began in December 2016.<ref>{{Citation |title= Gripen E programme: taxi tests |publisher= Saab | type= video |work= YouTube |url= https://m.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=QrDdawFwpMY |date= 14 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |title= Saab begins taxi tests of first Gripen E Fighter |work= Defense Aerospace |via= FMV |date= 21 December 2016 |url= http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/179800/saab-begins-taxi-tests-of-first-gripen-e-fighter.html |access-date= 11 February 2020 |archive-date= 25 February 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220225194720/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/articles-view/release/3/179800/saab-begins-taxi-tests-of-first-gripen-e-fighter.html |url-status= dead}}</ref> In September 2015, Saab Aeronautics head Lennart Sindahl stated that an [[electronic warfare|Electronic Warfare]] version of the [[#Variants|Gripen F]] two-seater could be developed.{{Sfn|Mader|2015 |ps=: 'One of the ideas, once we have that F-model […] is that the future market will need a dedicated electronic-attack version…'}} On 15&nbsp;June 2017, Saab completed the Gripen&nbsp;E's first flight.<ref>{{cite news |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |place= London |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-saabs-gripen-e-makes-flight-debut-438259/ |title= Saab's Gripen E makes flight debut |publisher= Reed Business Information |work= FlightGlobal |date= 15 June 2017 |access-date= 15 June 2017 |archive-date= 15 June 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170615182351/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-saabs-gripen-e-makes-flight-debut-438259/ |url-status= live}}</ref> By May 2018, the Gripen&nbsp;E had attained supersonic flight and was to commence load tests.<ref>{{cite web |title= Gripen E ready for weapons carriage trials |work= FlightGlobal |place= London |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |date= 17 May 2018 |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/gripen-e-ready-for-weapons-carriage-trials-448691/}}</ref> On 24&nbsp;November 2021, Saab announced that the first six Gripen&nbsp;Es were ready to be delivered to the Swedish and Brazilian air forces. The flight test programme with pre-production Gripen&nbsp;Es continued even after initial deliveries to both the Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces.<ref name= "gripen_e_serial_delivery">{{cite web |url= https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/saab-begins-serial-gripen-e-deliveries-brazil-sweden/ |title= Saab Begins Serial Gripen E Deliveries to Brazil, Sweden |date= 24 November 2021 |website= Aviation Week |publisher= Informa PLC |access-date= 7 December 2021 |archive-date= 7 December 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20211207213757/https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/aircraft-propulsion/saab-begins-serial-gripen-e-deliveries-brazil-sweden |url-status= live}}</ref>