Swedish Army receives first Gripen E fighters as rollout enhances sensor range and EW resilience
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Sweden formally received its first JAS 39 Gripen E during a handover at Skaraborg Air Wing F 7 in Såtenäs, confirming the start of operational rollout to Flygvapnet units. The milestone anchors a 60-aircraft program and adds a modern sensor-shooter node to NATO’s Nordic-Baltic air picture.
On Monday, October 20, 2025, in Såtenäs, the Swedish Armed Forces announced on X the official receipt of the first JAS 39 Gripen E, a key step for the Flygvapnet and for the modernization of national air defense. The acceptance ceremony is taking place at the Skaraborg Air Wing F 7, the operational entry point for the new standard, with a clear objective: to reinforce Sweden’s air defense and begin the rollout of the Gripen E system across units.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Multirole Gripen E with ten hardpoints, compatible with Meteor and IRIS-T, optimized for dispersed operations. (Picture source: Saab)
The Gripen E, a major evolution of the family, combines a modular avionics architecture and increased engine power while retaining Sweden’s employment concept based on dispersed operations and quick turnarounds from road bases or secondary strips. The plan calls for deliveries to ramp up from F 7, the lead unit for conversion and procedures development, before distribution to other wings. In parallel, Defense Minister Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) states on X that Sweden will receive a total of 60 Gripen E and notes that the aircraft includes advanced electronic-warfare equipment, flight-tested AI functions, and the ability to load new software in a matter of hours to support agility and rapid updates.
Gripen E is a multirole fighter designed for highly contested environments. Powered by a 98 kN GE F414G, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kg, ten hardpoints, and a Mauser BK27 cannon. The airframe is optimized for dispersed operations from roads or austere bases, with air-to-air turnarounds in 10 to 20 minutes and air-to-air refueling. Its core uses an avionics architecture that separates flight-critical from mission software, enabling rapid, incremental updates. The cockpit is built around Human Machine Collaboration with a wide-area display and AI aids that prioritize and fuse data to speed decision-making. The aircraft integrates easily with joint forces through standard datalinks and communications.
For sensors and survivability, it combines a latest-generation AESA radar, a Skyward G IRST for passive detection, and an Arexis electronic-warfare suite with spherical coverage, supporting ELINT, self-protection, and electronic attack. “Silent networking” allows a formation to alternate between emitting and passive modes, share a unified tactical picture in real time, and secure early firing opportunities. The aircraft can carry up to seven Meteor BVRAAM and two IRIS-T short-range missiles, along with pods and air-to-surface weapons depending on the mission, with integration facilitated by the open architecture. In use, this enables day-one entry into A2AD zones, high availability, contained maintenance needs, and fast adaptation to evolving threats.
The ES-05 Raven AESA radar uses a roll-repositioner, providing an approximate ±100° field of regard, supporting wide-angle search and track and enabling “shoot-and-turn” tactics while maintaining datalinks to weapons. The passive Skyward-G IRST supports long-range detection without emissions, relevant in dense electronic-warfare environments. The Arexis suite provides spherical coverage and electronic-attack functions aligned with the onboard data fusion.
The airframe carries more fuel than the C/D generation and has ten hardpoints, allowing mixed air-to-air and air-to-surface configurations without constraining mission profiles. A typical Nordic configuration may include Meteor for BVR, IRIS-T for short range, a centerline tank, and targeting or reconnaissance pods, with the design prepared to integrate new effects via software increments.
På plats vid F7 Såtenäs där Försvarsmakten idag tar emot den första av 60 JAS Gripen E. Det är en viktig dag för flygvapnet och det svenska försvaret. Gripen E är ett exempel på svensk teknologisk framkant och är ett modernt stridsflyg som i allt väsentligt är helt nytt. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Bse70Hb5DX— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) October 20, 2025
Tactically, the radar-IRST pairing changes engagement pacing. In the Baltic and High North, a four-ship can split roles, with two aircraft remaining “silent” on IRST and electronic support while the other two sanitize sectors with the Raven at range. With Meteor, shooters can fire from favorable geometry and then reposition while maintaining weapon datalinks thanks to the radar’s field of regard. Additional thrust and fuel extend time on station, and Sweden’s established dispersed-operations doctrine enables rapid turnarounds at temporary sites, complicating an opponent’s strike planning.
Software matters as much as the airframe. Saab and FMV rely on frequent increments to expand electronic-attack techniques, weapon interfaces, and cockpit ergonomics without lengthy downtime. This approach builds on recent investments that ensure fleet continuity, including C/D enhancements to maintain capability alignment during the transition to E.
A mixed fleet remains central in the near term. Sweden continues C/D operations with mission-system and support upgrades, totaling SEK 579 million in 2023, while the E series ramps up. This spreads technical risk, preserves sortie rates, and smooths training for crews and maintainers.
Regarding allied integration, timing is notable. A NATO member since March 7, 2024, Sweden deployed Gripen C/D detachments to Malbork, Poland, for Enhanced Air Policing in 2025 ahead of the E’s arrival. Introducing Gripen E adds a modern sensor-shooter node to the Nordic-Baltic network, interoperable and configured for high electromagnetic-density threats.
Fielding Gripen E reinforces Sweden’s national aerospace-defense industrial base and adds to deterrence in the Baltic Sea region, now bordered largely by Alliance members. For Russia, the local air-power balance becomes more complex with an additional platform combining survivability, long-range missiles, and a dispersed-operations doctrine that reduces the effectiveness of theater strikes. For allies, it provides another combat node within NATO’s framework, immediately usable for air policing, maritime interdiction, and integrated air and missile defense. The ceremony signals a practical regional shift visible in daily patrols, joint exercises, and available crisis-response options.
Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.
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Sweden formally received its first JAS 39 Gripen E during a handover at Skaraborg Air Wing F 7 in Såtenäs, confirming the start of operational rollout to Flygvapnet units. The milestone anchors a 60-aircraft program and adds a modern sensor-shooter node to NATO’s Nordic-Baltic air picture.
On Monday, October 20, 2025, in Såtenäs, the Swedish Armed Forces announced on X the official receipt of the first JAS 39 Gripen E, a key step for the Flygvapnet and for the modernization of national air defense. The acceptance ceremony is taking place at the Skaraborg Air Wing F 7, the operational entry point for the new standard, with a clear objective: to reinforce Sweden’s air defense and begin the rollout of the Gripen E system across units.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Multirole Gripen E with ten hardpoints, compatible with Meteor and IRIS-T, optimized for dispersed operations. (Picture source: Saab)
The Gripen E, a major evolution of the family, combines a modular avionics architecture and increased engine power while retaining Sweden’s employment concept based on dispersed operations and quick turnarounds from road bases or secondary strips. The plan calls for deliveries to ramp up from F 7, the lead unit for conversion and procedures development, before distribution to other wings. In parallel, Defense Minister Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) states on X that Sweden will receive a total of 60 Gripen E and notes that the aircraft includes advanced electronic-warfare equipment, flight-tested AI functions, and the ability to load new software in a matter of hours to support agility and rapid updates.
Gripen E is a multirole fighter designed for highly contested environments. Powered by a 98 kN GE F414G, it has a maximum takeoff weight of 16,500 kg, ten hardpoints, and a Mauser BK27 cannon. The airframe is optimized for dispersed operations from roads or austere bases, with air-to-air turnarounds in 10 to 20 minutes and air-to-air refueling. Its core uses an avionics architecture that separates flight-critical from mission software, enabling rapid, incremental updates. The cockpit is built around Human Machine Collaboration with a wide-area display and AI aids that prioritize and fuse data to speed decision-making. The aircraft integrates easily with joint forces through standard datalinks and communications.
For sensors and survivability, it combines a latest-generation AESA radar, a Skyward G IRST for passive detection, and an Arexis electronic-warfare suite with spherical coverage, supporting ELINT, self-protection, and electronic attack. “Silent networking” allows a formation to alternate between emitting and passive modes, share a unified tactical picture in real time, and secure early firing opportunities. The aircraft can carry up to seven Meteor BVRAAM and two IRIS-T short-range missiles, along with pods and air-to-surface weapons depending on the mission, with integration facilitated by the open architecture. In use, this enables day-one entry into A2AD zones, high availability, contained maintenance needs, and fast adaptation to evolving threats.
The ES-05 Raven AESA radar uses a roll-repositioner, providing an approximate ±100° field of regard, supporting wide-angle search and track and enabling “shoot-and-turn” tactics while maintaining datalinks to weapons. The passive Skyward-G IRST supports long-range detection without emissions, relevant in dense electronic-warfare environments. The Arexis suite provides spherical coverage and electronic-attack functions aligned with the onboard data fusion.
The airframe carries more fuel than the C/D generation and has ten hardpoints, allowing mixed air-to-air and air-to-surface configurations without constraining mission profiles. A typical Nordic configuration may include Meteor for BVR, IRIS-T for short range, a centerline tank, and targeting or reconnaissance pods, with the design prepared to integrate new effects via software increments.
På plats vid F7 Såtenäs där Försvarsmakten idag tar emot den första av 60 JAS Gripen E. Det är en viktig dag för flygvapnet och det svenska försvaret. Gripen E är ett exempel på svensk teknologisk framkant och är ett modernt stridsflyg som i allt väsentligt är helt nytt. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/Bse70Hb5DX
— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) October 20, 2025
Tactically, the radar-IRST pairing changes engagement pacing. In the Baltic and High North, a four-ship can split roles, with two aircraft remaining “silent” on IRST and electronic support while the other two sanitize sectors with the Raven at range. With Meteor, shooters can fire from favorable geometry and then reposition while maintaining weapon datalinks thanks to the radar’s field of regard. Additional thrust and fuel extend time on station, and Sweden’s established dispersed-operations doctrine enables rapid turnarounds at temporary sites, complicating an opponent’s strike planning.
Software matters as much as the airframe. Saab and FMV rely on frequent increments to expand electronic-attack techniques, weapon interfaces, and cockpit ergonomics without lengthy downtime. This approach builds on recent investments that ensure fleet continuity, including C/D enhancements to maintain capability alignment during the transition to E.
A mixed fleet remains central in the near term. Sweden continues C/D operations with mission-system and support upgrades, totaling SEK 579 million in 2023, while the E series ramps up. This spreads technical risk, preserves sortie rates, and smooths training for crews and maintainers.
Regarding allied integration, timing is notable. A NATO member since March 7, 2024, Sweden deployed Gripen C/D detachments to Malbork, Poland, for Enhanced Air Policing in 2025 ahead of the E’s arrival. Introducing Gripen E adds a modern sensor-shooter node to the Nordic-Baltic network, interoperable and configured for high electromagnetic-density threats.
Fielding Gripen E reinforces Sweden’s national aerospace-defense industrial base and adds to deterrence in the Baltic Sea region, now bordered largely by Alliance members. For Russia, the local air-power balance becomes more complex with an additional platform combining survivability, long-range missiles, and a dispersed-operations doctrine that reduces the effectiveness of theater strikes. For allies, it provides another combat node within NATO’s framework, immediately usable for air policing, maritime interdiction, and integrated air and missile defense. The ceremony signals a practical regional shift visible in daily patrols, joint exercises, and available crisis-response options.
Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay – Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.