Swedish Ministry of Defense has ultimately rejected the idea of dismantling older JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighters to produce more advanced Gripen E/F variants, opting instead to allocate funds for new equipment procurement.
This decision ensures that the entire fleet of legacy Gripen C/Ds will remain combat-capable and not be cannibalized for spare parts, as Saab confirmed. The company announced it has been awarded a contract worth 2.9 billion Swedish kronor (~€260 million) to supply components for the production of 60 Gripen E fighters.
Read more: Gripen still Relies on U.S. Engine But Sweden Offers it to Portugal as F-35 Alternative
On a note from Defense Express, in 2024 Sweden had already set aside 14 Gripen C/D aircraft and saved them from parts cannibalization by ordering additional components. This move preserved the option of transferring these fighters to Ukraine. Now, with the Swedish government's latest decision, this potential transfer becomes more viable.
At the same time, the decision is also important for preserving Sweden’s own defense capacity, allowing its Air Force to induct new Gripen E fighters without sacrificing the operational readiness of existing C/D jets.
According to the latest data, the Swedish Air Force operates around 100 Gripen C/Ds: 71 single-seat C models and 23 two-seat D models. These are scheduled to be gradually retired, depending on the pace of Gripen E/F production.
The Swedish Defense Ministry plans to modernize 60 Gripen fighters from 2025 to 2035 through a two-stage upgrade program: first to the MS20 Block 3 standard, then to MS20 Block 4. These upgrades include improvements to the PS-05/A Mk4 radar, integration of the AIM-120C-8 air-to-air missile, and support for the Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile.
Although Sweden was involved in Taurus development, the missile has yet to be integrated into serial production Gripen C/D aircraft — despite being featured in marketing materials. The Block 3 upgrades are expected to enter service in 2026, with Block 4 following in 2028 and final implementation by 2032.
On the export front, Saab is expecting a breakthrough success of the Gripen E/F in the South American market. The company has held fruitful negotiations with Colombia, which is preparing to sign a contract for 16 to 24 Gripen E/F aircraft, though the government is still working to secure the estimated $3.65 billion needed for the deal. Peru is also interested, reportedly considering the purchase of 12 to 24 jets with a potential budget of up to $3.5 billion.
Meanwhile, Saab is actively promoting the Gripen E/F to Thailand, offering lucrative credit terms. If successful, the deal could see Thailand acquiring 12 to 14 aircraft in two separate batches, with a considerable time gap between deliveries.
Read more: Saab Eyes Breakthrough Year for Gripen Sales, Targets Thailand After Colombia Deal
