Gripen Soars Ahead: Unleashing Revolutionary Operational Features
Saab and the Swedish Air Force Unveil Groundbreaking Gripen Fighter Upgrades
Saab, in collaboration with the Swedish Air Force and Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), has introduced a game-changing operational enhancement for the Gripen fighter jet. Notably, it becomes the first and only combat aircraft globally to be equipped with the advanced MBDA Meteor BVRAAM missile, marking a significant milestone in air combat technology.
The latest operational upgrade, named MS20, has been officially certified, approved, and integrated into the Gripen fleet. This upgrade signifies a crucial evolution in Gripen’s ongoing development, granting operators access to a unique and powerful asset.
At the Farnborough International Airshow, Major General Mats Helgesson, Chief-of-Staff of the Swedish Air Force, remarked, “Following extensive testing by FMV and the Gripen Operational Test and Evaluation unit, all MS20 functions—including the Meteor missile—are fully operational with Gripen. The Swedish Air Force has achieved Initial Operational Capability with the Meteor, recognized as the most lethal radar-guided missile currently in service. I take great pride in having the Meteor as part of our inventory.”
The comprehensive MS20 upgrade is already active with the Swedish Air Force’s Gripens and will soon feature in the Czech Air Force’s fleet. This enhancement introduces a plethora of new operational capabilities for air-to-air, air-to-surface, and ISTAR missions, along with various upgraded mission systems. Gripen operators retain flexibility over the extent and timing of these capabilities’ implementation.
One of the standout features of the MS20 capability expansion is the full integration of the MBDA Meteor BVRAAM. Swedish Air Force Gripens are now the sole fighters in the world operational with this revolutionary missile, designed to effectively neutralize advanced airborne threats. The ramjet-powered Meteor, collaboratively developed by MBDA and Saab, offers a long-range, agile air-to-air solution tailored for 21st-century combat environments.
The Meteor’s unmatched range—exceeding 100 km—and an unparalleled no escape zone (three times greater than traditional BVR missiles) provide Gripen pilots with a strategic edge in future air-to-air engagements.
Saab CEO Håkan Buskhe expressed gratitude for the partnership with MBDA, stating, “Our collaboration on the Meteor project has been instrumental in delivering a superior missile system. Gripen’s role in the Meteor development underscores our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.”
In addition to air combat capabilities, the MS20 upgrade significantly enhances Gripen’s air-to-ground operations. It now incorporates the Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), allowing for precision strikes with a maximum payload of 16 SDBs on a single Gripen.
The enhanced ISTAR capabilities feature an upgraded reconnaissance pod with infrared sensors that deliver real-time imagery to the cockpit, along with increased data storage for mission-critical information.
Furthermore, improvements to the Link 16 datalink system enhance data exchange between Gripens and Command & Control nodes, greatly enhancing situational awareness and elevating both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission capabilities.
Recent upgrades also include new pilot-centric features such as a ground collision avoidance system (GCAS) designed to protect the aircraft during challenging low-altitude missions, alongside an improved CBRN system, ensuring operational effectiveness amidst potential chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats.
Gripen’s design embraces future combat challenges through continuous upgradeability. The introduction of MS20 marks yet another chapter in this evolution, equipping both current and future Gripen users with advanced capabilities ready to meet the demands of modern warfare.
