F7 Squadron in Skaraborg to receive first Gripen E

Svenska flygvapnet or the Swedish Air Force recently announced that the F7 squadron in Skaraborg will be the first unit in the Swedish Air Force to receive the Gripen E. Flight tests and preparations are continuing in parallel within the Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces and at Saab to ensure a smooth and efficient introduction of the aircraft.

4 aircraft for Brazil, 2 for Sweden

The test programme is proceeding according to plan and at full speed. The delivery phase of the first Gripen E aircraft, four for Brazil and two for Sweden, will start before the end of the year. The delivery phase includes a series of complex processes as well as handover activities with authorities and customers. "In a deteriorating geopolitical environment, the air force must remain relevant in Sweden's air defence, also in the future. The increased capabilities of Gripen Jas 39 E ensure future relevance and make a great air force even better. Gripen E gives us a head start, more dangerous, and poses more problems for our opponents," said Carl-Johan Edström, Chief of the Swedish Air Force, at the announcement.

Testing different configurations...

With delivery getting closer and the flight envelope continually expanding, flight testing is now in an intense phase with nine aircraft ready and more to come before the end of the year. Currently, trials with different configurations are being conducted with both test and production Gripen E aircraft, with different air-to-air configurations as well as attack and reconnaissance configurations.

...and electronic warfare systems

In parallel, the testing of tactical systems is not neglected. In addition to the testing of individual sensors, mainly focusing on radar and electronic warfare systems, the collaboration and fusion between all sensors, decision support and presentation are also tested. Subsequently, the work on the verification of weapons and external loads will be intensified, which will involve a number of annual test campaigns at the Vidsel firing range in northern Sweden.