Saab contracted to upgrade Gripen C/D

With 60 Gripen C/Ds to remain in service through to 2035, Sweden is upgrading the aircraft to keep it at the forefront of operational capabilities. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has contracted Saab to upgrade the Gripen C/D combat aircraft out to 2029.

The SEK3.4 billion (USD326 million) award announced on 16 December covers a raft of capability upgrades under the MS20 enhancement package, as well as options to enable the FMV to place additional upgrade orders during 2023.

“The enhancements will provide Sweden with a more effective and powerful fighter capability. The aircraft will be equipped with a new version of the engine, which will enhance flight performance. A more effective electronic warfare (EW) system will also be introduced, and the upgrade will create conditions for increased attack capability with a new payload,” Saab said.

Further to improvements to the General Electric/Volvo Flygmotor RM12 (F404-GE-400) turbofan and integration of the Arexis EW suite, the order includes an upgrade to the Saab PS-05/A radar for an extended detection and tracking range. It also includes an upgraded avionics system, which enables fast software updates of the sensor function.

“This upgrade will provide the Swedish Air Force with a significantly stronger fighter capability. The contract is a big leap ahead in terms of radar performance and functionality, both for the hardware and software, and will future-proof the operational capability of Gripen C/D,” Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab's business area Aeronautics said.

As noted by Saab, the capability enhancements will enable better interoperability between Gripen C/D and Gripen E, which is shortly to enter into front-line service with the Swedish Air Force.