The Austrian Armed Forces is looking for a successor for its Tranche 1 Eurofighter. According to Militär Aktuell research a total of seven fourth and fifth generation candidates – including the Saab Gripen, a very efficient choice.
The Swedish model from Saab is the latest and most powerful version of the single-engine multi-role combat aircraft to date. The model is already in series production and plays a central role in the defense strategy of NATO member Sweden.
Like its predecessor – which Austria did not select in 2002 – the Gripen E also pursues the goal of offering maximum technological performance with minimum operating and acquisition costs. Saab is thus consciously positioning itself as a provider of a cost-effective high-tech solution for modern threat scenarios.
One step into the future is the integration of the AI pilot Centaur from the company Helsing into the so-called “AI Gripen”. It is designed to take on complex tasks and replicate the experience of human pilots in the shortest possible time – with final control always remaining with the human pilot.
—–
The other Eurofighter successor candidates for the Austrian Armed Forces
- The all-rounder: F-35A from Lockheed Martin
- The logical choice: Eurofighter Neo
- The underdog: Rafale F5
- The exotic: KAI KF-21
- The underdog: TAI Kaan
- The surprise candidate: F-16 Block 70
—–
The most important technological innovations of the “Super Gripen” include the AESA Raven ES-05 radar and the Sky Ward infrared search and targeting system. The ultra-modern Arexis system is used for self-protection – an electronic warfare system that is also planned for the upcoming Eurofighter Tranche 5.
A special feature of the Gripen E is its software-centered, modular architecture. In simple terms, future functions – such as new weapons, mission computers, sensor fusion, tactical software, helmet displays or AI modules – can be added via software updates such as apps, just like a smartphone, without extensive hardware modifications. At the same time, the safety-critical control functions remain isolated and are only conservatively adapted to meet certification and safety requirements.
Gripen E
Manufacturer Saab
Engine 1 × General Electric F414 GE 39E0
Power 98 kN thrust (with afterburner)
Top speed Mach 2.0
Armament Air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground precision weapons, 27-millimeter cannon
Wingspan 8.60 meters
Length 15.20 meters
The new version was originally intended exclusively for Sweden (60 single-seaters); the first series jet was handed over on October 20, 2025. However, Brazil ordered a total of 36 aircraft back in 2015, some of which were produced under license by Embraer (-> Saab and Embraer present the first Gripen E built in Brazil). Saab currently produces around ten Gripen per year, with a possible increase to 25 units.
In August 2025 Thailand, an existing user of the previous version, also ordered four Gripen Edelivery by 2030. A framework agreement was also signed with Ukraine framework agreement for up to 150 jets was also concluded with Ukraine, the financing of which is being prepared by a European consortium; the first deliveries are planned from as early as 2026.
Colombia (-> report) and Peru (-> report) have also selected the type – contracts have yet to be signed.
Here for more news about Saab and here to further army news.
