The JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Would Make Russian Generals Scream

The JAS 39 Gripen Fighter Would Make Russian Generals Scream

The JAS 39 has been recently suggested by some for service in Ukraine as Kyiv is desperate for any sort of Western fighter jets. How would it perform against Russia’s best jets? We do know one thing: the JAS 39 has one amazing reputation and could certainly give Moscow a run for its money. With Sweden (and Finland) on the cusp of joining NATO, after decades of neutrality, let’s take a look at Sweden’s most impressive fighter: the homegrown Saab JAS 39 Gripen.

Many Americans associate Saab exclusively with their automobiles. Saab models, like the 900, 9-3, and 9-5, were popular amongst American consumers before the company’s car division ceased operations in 2011. What most Americans likely fail to appreciate is that Saab was originally, and is still currently, an aerospace and defense company. Founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1937, the company has a proud history of weapons and aircraft development. Saab is well known for their lineage of fighter jets, including the Tunnan, Lansen, Draken, and Viggen.