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SAAB GRIPEN GRIPEN E DEBUT UNIT REPORTS INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES REPORT STYLE & COLOUR | FEATURE TITLE THIS STYLE

A unique formation of Saab Gripen customer aircraft from , , , the UK Empire Test Pilots’ School, and . Saab/ Jamie Hunter

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www.combataircraft.net July 2016 GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT | INTRODUCTION THE GRIPEN EVOLUTION Combat Aircraft presents a detailed view of the JAS 39 Gripen as this fascinating type moves into a new era with the advent of the Gripen E.

AAB HAS A proven and Combat Aircraft: ‘Life-cycle cost efficiency Above: The front was soon revised down to 204 production fascinating history in is built into the Gripen’s DNA.’ It is this cockpit of a JAS 39A/Bs. Initial deliveries started in Gripen D. The military aviation, closely fundamental concept that makes Saab’s long history 1993, with F 7 Wing at Såtenäs achieving tied to national Swedish fighter such an attractive prospect. It of datalinked initial operating capability (IOC) during requirements and often is also why Saab stresses that the next systems within September 1997. the Swedish — in the more distant past generation of Gripen will be more capable, military The announced plans — with only partial thought for the export yet less expensive than its predecessors. continues to this in 2006 to rationalize on a total strength S day, but with market. That has most definitely changed. The Gripen project was born with of 100 improved JAS 39C/D Gripens. This internationally- The Saab JAS 39 Gripen dates back to an initial Swedish Defense Materiel observed reduced the operational fleet, but at the the late 1970s and a Swedish Air Force Administration (Försvarets Materiel Verk, standards. Saab same time allowed an improvement in requirement to replace the Saab 35 FMV) development contract placed on capabilities within the smaller core. This This image: A Draken and 37 Viggen. The company has June 30, 1982, calling for five prototypes Hungarian Air was to be achieved through upgrading 31 a reputation for building intuitive fighters and an initial 30 production aircraft. The Force Gripen earlier aircraft to a new JAS 39C/D standard, with ingenious avionics systems as part first prototype made its maiden flight on gets airborne plus new-build airframes for an eventual 75 02 for a Baltic Air of indigenous projects designed to meet December 9, 1988, and was flying into a Policing (BAP) JAS 39Cs and 25 two-seat JAS 39Ds. national aspirations. While Saab initially world of geo-political change. The Berlin mission in 2015. Sweden had a strong policy of non- set out to apply much of its existing ethos Wall was about to fall, and air forces in Rich Cooper alignment and the JAS 39A/B had been to the Gripen, it decided from the outset Europe were starting to feel the pressures designed and built with the national to produce an aircraft with the future induced by the thawing of the . mission very much in mind. Today, very much in mind. In fact, if anything, There are few countries these days with Sweden is in the European Union, and the hardware was built around a plan for a fighter force of more than 100 aircraft, although it is not a full NATO member it constantly evolving software standards to but when the Gripen first flew this was works closely as a partner. Sweden has allow it to mature over time. commonplace. The Swedish Air Force operated as a fully ‘net-centric’ force since Lennart Sindahl, deputy CEO and requirement was originally set at 280 1998, although its use of key technologies senior executive vice president told Gripens to equip 16 squadrons, but this such as datalinks goes back to the Draken era of the 1960s. The move to the Gripen C/D was made with a view to international interoperability. This manifested itself in six key areas: weaponry, availability, communications, deployability, service life, and endurance. The Gripen C/D went Imperial and eliminated the use of Swedish language in the cockpit displays. It featured the common datalink

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 INTRODUCTION | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT The move to Gripen E According to Saab, it is clear to see the path that the Gripen has followed. The Gripen A/B had a national focus, with the C/D variant having more of an international focus with NATO interoperability. Now, with the Gripen E, the emphasis is on performance, with improved sensors and a multi-functional aircraft. The Gripen E is an entirely new-build process, with no need to rely on the existing C/D airframes. This is welcome and secure voice communications being supplied to the Czech Republic and news for the Swedish Air Force as it will via Have Quick II radios — all major Hungary. take pressure off the front-line C/D fleet changes. Sweden started participating in South Africa selected the Gripen in during the transition to the Gripen E. international exercises, and in 2011 (for November 1998 and received a total of It will also help to free up airframes for the first time in 50 years, since J 29s were 26 aircraft. Thailand has now taken on 12 potential export users. deployed on a UN mission to the Congo) new-build Gripens (as F-5 replacements) The Gripen E is in effect the MS21- the Swedish Air Force launched fighters and is likely to acquire more, its air force standard aircraft. In January 2013, for an international task in Operation having already set out a requirement the decision was taken to procure 60 ‘Unified Protector’ over Libya. for a further six jets. Meanwhile, the UK Gripen Es for the Swedish Air Force, The Gripen fleet has notched up some Empire Test Pilots’ School has leased hours with no two-seat Gripen F. Inspired impressive statistics. The Swedish Air Force in a Gripen D for its advanced jet training by an increasingly bellicose Russian has quoted a cost per flying hour for the syllabus. presence in the Baltic and elsewhere, the Gripen at SEK 48,000, which equates to Saab achieved success in appealing Swedish Defense Ministry has looked at $7,500 — including fuel. to countries with more modest defense increasing this number, although as of budgets, notably in Eastern Europe. today it remains at 60 fighters. Spiral upgrade Surplus Swedish Gripens made up the The Brazilian government’s selection The step from the Gripen A/B to the Czech order thanks to a $1-billion, 10- of the Gripen E as its next-generation C/D variant saw the re-use of major year lease deal agreed in June 2004 for fighter came on the same day that 03 components from the A/B airframes, 14 JAS 39C/Ds. Under a similar 10-year Saab received the Swedish production immediately reducing costs and the lease deal, Hungary operates 14 re- Above left: A contract for the variant. The Brazilian Air expensive flight-test burden. Obsolescence manufactured Swedish JAS 39A/Bs, which unique photo Force has an initial requirement for 36 from May 2012 is a very significant concern for modern are designated JAS 39 EBS HU. Hungary of aircraft aircraft, which will likely grow to around , regardless of where they opted for 14 JAS 39A/Bs upgraded to from all the 100. According to an official statement, are manufactured and operated. The big- C/D standard. It now operates its national customers the concluded that currently flying ticket elements for the C/D evolution were quick reaction alert with two pilots the Gripen. the Gripen was the best option from an a robust BVR (beyond visual range) and at 15-minute readiness. With a basic Saab/Jamie operational standpoint and in terms of WVR (within visual range) capability, air- weapons package of AIM-9L Sidewinder, Hunter cost. to-surface strike capability, and the option AIM-120C-5 AMRAAM, III Below: Man The advent of the Gripen E helps the for reconnaissance. Subsequent Gripen and TV-guided AGM-65 and machine Swedish Air Force realize its aspirations upgrades have been carefully planned Maverick, Hungary is seeking additional — a live-armed to counter a range of potential future Gripen on air for approximately every third year. The weapons for , which will policing alert. threats in an affordable yet highly current fleet standard is Mission System 19 likely include the GBU-39 SDB. Rich Cooper capable fighter. Jamie Hunter (MS19) and MS20 is now coming online, which adds the MBDA beyond- visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), Boeing’s GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), improved modes, a digital close air support capability, increased Link 16 connectivity, civil navigation enhancements, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) protection for the pilot, the SPK 39 Modular Reconnaissance Pod II, and a ground collision avoidance system (GCAS).

Export Gripen New-production aircraft have been ordered for South Africa and Thailand, with former Swedish Air Force JAS 39s

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KEY DATA

Length overall 15.2m Width overall 8.6m Basic weight empty 8,000kg Internal fuel 3,400kg Max take-o weight 16,500kg Max speed at high altitude Mach 2 Yes Max service altitude Above 52,500ft G-limits +9/-3 10

The rst Gripen E, 39-8, resplendent in full Swedish Air Force markings at the roll-out on May 18. All images courtesy of Saab

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been vocal in its opinion that it cannot accept a ghter that it can’t a ord to operate, and the Gripen E is all about ‘THE SMART FIGHTER’ rede ning how to build and operate an advanced ghter that o ers operational Combat Aircraft reports from Linköping on the roll-out of the new capabilities relevant for the future, new Gripen E — the latest evolution of the Saab JAS 39. technology, and a sensible price tag. The speed of change in the aeronautics business means the aircraft must be able S THE CURTAIN cent more fuel, it has more thrust, more to adapt fast to emerging needs without was raised on the weapons stations and a higher overall breaking the bank. Gripen E prototype weight. How do you integrate all these The Brazilian government’s selection at exactly 16.00hrs new features and still keep a balanced and of the Gripen E as its next-generation local time in Saab’s capable design — and be a ordable?’ Right: The Gripen ghter in December 2013 came on facility at Linköping, It’s a good question, and one that Saab E is externally the same day that Saab received the identi ed by ASweden, on May 18, the world saw the appears to have cracked. The Gripen E has a number of Swedish production contract. It put an West’s latest ghter for the rst time. been developed with strict considerations new features, end to more than 12 years of discussions Initial observations revealed a beefed- set by the principal customer: the Swedish including the and speculation that swirled around infra-red search up Gripen, with stockier wing roots to Air Force. Saab initially planned to launch and track turret ’s FX-2 project. The Brazilian Air accommodate additional fuel, additional its latest generation of ghter as a joint in front of the Force contract is thought to be worth weapons hardpoints, and an array of new Swedish-Swiss initiative, but although canopy and approximately $4.5 billion and includes an the enlarged external sensors. Switzerland’s order was narrowly rejected wingtip fairings initial requirement for 36 aircraft, which Ahead of the unveiling, Lars Ydreskog, in a 2014 referendum, Sweden decided to accommodate will probably grow signi cantly in the Saab’s head of aerospace operations, told to go ahead regardless with its plan for 60 electronic future. According to an o cial statement, warfare Combat Aircraft: ‘The Gripen E has 40 per new ghters. The Swedish Air Force has equipment. the Brazilian Air Force concluded that

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the Gripen was the best option from an operational standpoint and in terms of cost.

Meeting cost goals Manufacturing the Gripen E is an entirely new-build process, with no need to rely on the existing C/D airframes, as had been the case with the A/B to C/D transformation. GRIPEN E AT A GLANCE Sweden examined a number of options, • General Electric F414-GE-39E engine. including the purchase of a completely • Selex Skyward-G IRST. di erent platform as Option A. Option B • Selex ES-05 Raven AESA radar. took the existing Gripen C/D airframe, the • Two new fuselage pylon stations, left same engine, and then inserted future and right of centerline. technology. Option C1 looked at a new • Mil Std 1760E class II interface to all pylons. Gripen airframe design, with a new engine • Gen4 Litening laser designator pod and new, but proven, technology. The last (LDP) plus RecceLite. option (C2) involved a new airframe, new • Crypto, jam-resistant ‘ ghter link’. engine and all-new technology. In the • Reduced radar cross-section (RCS) — event they went for Option C1 — this is included as a contractual obligation. • New (EW) systems. the Gripen E. • Missile approach warning system ‘We have reduced development and (MAWS) sensors linked to automatic production costs by 40 per cent’, says cha / are launchers. Lars Ydreskog. The three-year full-scale • New mission software standards: development has moved away from MS21 and MS22

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paper-based design drawings and wholly with many of the key elements of the of the  n leading edge. A revised wingtip embraced what Saab calls model-based new  ghter and has completed ‘several design accommodates new electronic systems engineering (MBSE). ‘It just hundred ights’. ‘We’ve been ying the warfare antennas. Although the canopy, wasn’t possible to do it the old way’, says AESA [active electronically scanned array] seat and outer elevons are common with Ydreskog. Saab has been able to model, radar for a long time’, says Ydreskog. The the Gripen C, this is altogether a very evaluate and build the Gripen E via Gripen Demo has undertaken sorties new beast. this method. It has been a key factor in with the Selex Skyward-G infra-red search Saab plans three Swedish test aircraft, reducing costs surrounding the program. and track (IRST) sensor and various other in addition to the 60 series production Of course, the company is able to tap into elements of the new sensor-fuzed avionics examples on order for the Swedish Air the wealth of data it has from the ight- package, plus the new General Electric Force. Aircraft 39-8 is the prototype that testing of previous Gripen variants, but F414-GE-39E engine. was rolled out on May 18, 2016. This the new approach will also help to shorten As well as a production Selex ES-05 aircraft is planned to be handed over to the planned ight test campaign, which is Raven AESA radar, the Gripen Demo has the ight test team this summer and will expected to be only a third as long as that test- own the Gripen E’s new missile take to the air before the end of 2016. The 06 for the C/D. approach warning system (MAWS), next two prototypes, 39-9 and 39-10, are ‘First ight was traditionally important’, satellite communications (SATCOMs), new both now in build at Linköping; both are Ydreskog continues. ‘The  rst ight for us displays and avionics architecture (in the single-seat JAS 39Es. of [the] Gripen E is of course important, back seat), increased internal fuel, new Sweden has shied away from two- but it is not that important for us to verify , two new stores stations, and seaters. However, Brazil has planned its that all the functions work’. In short, the the new digital head-up display (HUD). Its initial buy around 28 Gripen Es and eight emphasis in the ight test phase will be initial ight with the production-standard two-seat Gripen Fs. Saab will produce on proving the areas that are di cult for a IRST was conducted on March 31, 2014. one Brazilian ‘Echo’ test aircraft, which computer to model and calculate. The Gripen E will operate at a higher all- will be built at and initially operate from Certi cation test work is vastly reduced up weight than the JAS 39C variant: 16.5 Linköping before it goes to South America. on the Gripen E because only 10 per cent tonnes compared to 14 tonnes. It carries The Brazilian aircraft di er somewhat of the computer software code relates 40 per cent more fuel. The new AESA radar from the Swedish jets. They will have a to ight-critical elements. Some 90 per is accommodated within a revamped customer-speci c communications suite cent of the code is focused on tactical radome, and the nose gear now has a and certain weapons, and they feature functionality. It means that Saab engineers single wheel, which allows the Gripen E a large-area display cockpit, unlike the can make swift tactical upgrades without to operate from a runway with arresting Swedish aircraft that are currently planned the need to touch ight-critical avionics. gear. Other  ner details include a new to feature the more traditional layout of Many test requirements have already ammunition box with a new conveyer three multi-function displays (MFDs). The been veri ed and the number of live system, but the same gun. The Gripen E no Swedish con guration re ects a lower-risk ight-test points dramatically reduced. longer ejects cannon shells, as they would initial approach to the Gripen E program, Certi cation is planned to be conducted have hit the new shoulder stores stations. but reports suggest that Sweden may still from mid-2018 to the end of 2023, the Structurally, things have changed too. elect to move to the large display. latter date representing full operational The outer wings now attach further capability of the MS22 con guration. out — at pylon three — to make extra Partnerships and Much of the risk-reduction e ort for the internal space for fuel tanks, and new development Gripen E has been undertaken in ight aluminum-lithium integral frames are Having cut short its F-5M Tiger II upgrade sciences laboratories and in ight tests on provided for the wing attachments. program and now looking to halve its the so-called ‘Gripen Demo’, aircraft 39-7. The main gear retracts into the wing, AMX mid-life update, Brazil is leaning The Gripen Demo is a JAS 39D that was rather than the fuselage. There are larger heavily on the Gripen. Although 36 jets Top: Aircraft rebuilt as a two-seat ‘Next Gen’ variant and engine air intakes and a new secondary are now on order, this number is likely 39-7, the so- called ‘Gripen  rst took to the air in this con guration environmental control system (ECS) for to grow to over 100. The Brazilian Navy, Demo’ aircraft. in 2008. It has progressively been own the powerful AESA radar at the bottom meanwhile, is the main prospect for the

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Gripen M (formerly Sea Gripen) initiative. The levels of technology transfer o ered by Saab mean that Brazil will have its own Gripen design, development and  ight test center, jointly established with . Jerker Ahlqvist, head of the Gripen program, said that Saab will establish a production line in Brazil, but ‘that is still a few years down the line’. There are currently 60 Brazilian personnel in Sweden and plans are well under way for the Gripen facility in Gavião Peixoto. Brazil is expected to order a further two batches of aircraft. However, the timing is unclear. Saab is keen to ensure that it can Left: The introduce upgrades to the Brazilian side in ‘Gripen Demo’ the same manner and at the same speed aircraft during as in the Swedish program. Indeed, it aims trials of the IRST sensor. to make non- ight-critical enhancements to the aircraft in a similar way to apps on The rst Gripen a smartphone. It envisages that some E, 39-8, on the production line updates of this order could be carried at Linköping. out ‘within a week’ under what Saab calls the Short Tactical Upgrade Cycle. Below: The Brazilian Air These upgrades would serve as useful Force will incremental steps in addition to the larger receive 28 MS advances, which would likely occur single-seat Gripen Es and every two years or so. eight two-seat Gripen test pilot Marcus Wandt F variants. The explained: ‘Since technology development latter may be 07 pressed into a is accelerating, [the Gripen E] needs to ‘Wild Weasel’ be easily upgradable in a practical way role as well in time to [enable] the change to have as acting as trainers. an e ect’. Further explaining the Gripen

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The path to service ‘Saab plans three Swedish test aircraft, in The Swedish Air Force has scheduled 2023 as its target date for initial operating addition to the 60 series production examples capability (IOC) for the first Gripen E division. It is thought that the lead on order for the Swedish Air Force’ squadron will be from F 7 wing at Såtenäs. This ties in with Saab’s aim to certify the ‘Echo’ in MS21 configuration during this E’s avionics architecture, Wandt adds: was built to undertake three core roles: timeframe, with MS22 to follow as part ‘Three key features separate flight air-to-air, air-to-ground, and tactical of Full Operating Capability (FOC). The management from tactical management. reconnaissance. All these missions first aircraft is set to be delivered to the You don’t want [software] code from are being flown by the same guy’. The Swedish Air Force in 2019, with delivery tactical management to affect flight challenge here, according to Wandt, is Right top to rates rising gradually thereafter. bottom: The management. We need to be able to maintaining pilot currency in these core Gripen E Saab says that in the past it achieved change tactics really quickly and also competencies. Embedded synthetic features a single T180, whereby after 180 units the be able to change hardware without training and the optimization of the live/ nosewheel, manufacturer knew completely how to unlike its touching the applications. virtual construct is what he calls ‘part of predecessor, assemble the Gripen. With the Gripen E ‘Our enhanced communications are the whole package.’ which had two. it has declared that it can achieve T30, increasingly providing networked tactics. Wandt also acknowledges that the Jamie Hunter and probably better. Ahlqvist says: ‘All the In the Gripen E we have the Cobra focus is about maintaining a range of Enlarged intakes parts fit — we don’t need to do any parts helmet-mounted display, AESA radar, options as the current and future ‘fights’ and part of adaptation. The first aircraft is [the same IRST that provides a passive BVR [beyond demand and evolve. He is well aware the missile as] a serial production aircraft.’ approach visual range] capability, advanced that dogfighting is not a primary focus warning system For Maj Gen , the electronic warfare [EW] system, more for many air forces right now and that are evident in Swedish Air Force Chief of Staff, this is weapons stations, increased thrust BVR is the desired regime. However, this view. great news. Demands upon his squadrons Jamie Hunter and range. [Engagement] ranges are he acknowledges that factors such as are increasing, and everyone is keenly increasing, so we need to do more battle stealth may be cancelled out by IRSTs, The prototype aware of the need for the Gripen E amid management. I don’t need to know for example, and that the fight could is not yet fitted increasing tensions in the region. No-one with functional which sensor is providing the data, I just come in close and rely on agile missiles IRST or missile is shy about discussing these concerns. In 08 need to know the information.’ and helmet sights. ‘Right now [we can approach the short term, the net result has been an The Gripen was always built with manage the fight] a long way out without warners, which increase in the number of Swedish Gripen will be added multi-role missions in mind. The Gripen having to turn and burn; in 30 years, I as flight-testing squadrons from four at the force’s lowest E is what Wandt calls ‘true swing-role’. ‘It don’t know.’ progresses. ebb to six as of January this year. ‘By the

The fully-loaded Gripen E complete with GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, MBDA Meteor, IRIS-T missiles and Litening pod.

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fall, all squadrons will be flying the MS20 Gripen C’, Helgesson enthuses. ‘We will be the first air force in the world flying with the [MBDA] Meteor missile operationally.’ Helgesson has a range of challenges ahead, and he knows that the new Gripen E cannot afford to steal funding from important projects such as the SK 60 trainer replacement program or the successor to the Tp 84 (C-130) Hercules fleet. ‘We need a good set-up for the training for Gripen E’, he adds. The FMV (Swedish Defense Materiel Administration) has now issued a request for information (RFI) for a new flying training system by 2020, and although the 2015 Swedish defense bill was trend-breaking in as much as it saw an increase in military funding for the period from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2020, Helgesson feels more is needed. However, ‘it is a step in the right direction.’ ‘To win the air war you need either superior numbers, superior technology or superior tactics’, he says. The defense budget will not allow him to amass the numbers of fighters, so he relies on ‘good technology and smart tactics.’ This means trying to maintain his six- squadron fighter complement, phasing 09 out the Gripen C/D by 2026, and having his first Gripen E squadron firing on all cylinders by 2023. Jamie Hunter

July 2016 www.combataircraft.net GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT | UNIT REVIEW

10 PUMA PROWESS Today’s (Magyar Légierö) is a much slicker and more capable operator than ever before, thanks to the gradual withdrawal of its previous Soviet-built assets. The JAS 39C/D Gripen is at the forefront of a small but capable force.

report and photos: Richard Cooper

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Left: Hungary a deal signed on November 20, 2001. to become a valued front-line partner. sent four Interestingly, the initial lease deal was for As such, Hungary employs the aircraft in Gripens to Šiauliai, the original A and B models, but this was the same way as any other NATO nation. , later upgraded to the C/D variants, the rst ‘There is nothing particularly unique in in 2015 to of these being delivered in 2005. our employment of the type; the only undertake NATO’s Baltic The  eet celebrated 10 years of real di erence comes from the di erent Air Policing QRA service last year and undertook its most weapon inventory we use compared to mission. signi cant NATO contribution at the same other Gripen nations’, said the MoD. The Below: Hungary time — the 39th rotation of the Baltic Air Hungarian Gripens employ the AIM-9 is an excellent Policing mission, see later. It su ered a and AIM-120 in the aerial arena, whereas example of double blow in 2015 when two aircraft non-NATO users of the type use their how the Gripen operator model (one C and one D-model) were lost in own systems. Hungary is also working up can be tailored quick succession as a result of separate further air-to-ground capabilities with the to the speci c accidents. Discussions on how to replace use of the Litening targeting pod. ‘Since customer. The move to them are still ongoing within the Air Force. Hungary is a NATO member (the same the Gripen Combat Aircraft spoke to the squadron as the Czech Republic Gripen  eet) we from previous and the Hungarian Ministry of Defense have to follow NATO operational rules as Russian types has been a (MoD) to gain an insight into today’s well, so that represents a slight di erence step-change for operations. ‘Our main focus today is on compared to the non-NATO Gripen Hungary. air-to-air missions, keeping currency operators such as Sweden and South for our pilots in order to maintain the Africa’, the spokesperson explained. all-important QRA [quick reaction alert] Leasing a ghter was seen as the quali cations.’, explained one Gripen best option for Hungary’s operational pilot. ‘We also  y a large number of strategy and requirements. ‘Leasing was a air-to-ground, mainly close air support budget-friendly solution to procure high- [CAS] tasks, in co-operation with ground value ghter aircraft for a small country forces through our Joint Terminal Attack like Hungary’, the MoD spokesperson Controller unit.’ continued. ‘The total price has to be Hungary rmly toes the NATO line, paid in smaller amounts during the and the Gripen is a perfect t for an ex- leasing period. The contract also covers country modernizing itself continuous support and training needs.’ 11

OINING NATO IN 1999, the small but strategically important Hungarian Air Force underwent a huge transformation in doctrine and equipment, epitomized byJ today’s operation of the JAS 39C/D Gripen. The small, lightweight, multi-role type o ered enough ‘bang for the buck’ in a lease deal with Sweden that saw Hungary’s nal Soviet-built ghters being replaced by this sole type. The MiG-29 was the last to go, being retired from service in 2011. Hungarian Air Force fast jet operations are consolidated at one base, Kecskemét, located in the center of the country. The Gripen  eet is  own by a single squadron, the 1st Tactical Fighter Squadron ‘Pumas’ (1. Vadászrepülő Század), which falls under the 59th Tactical Fighter Wing (MH 59. ‘Szentgyörgyi Dezső’ Harcászati Repülőbázis). Hungary leases 14 JAS 39s, comprising 12 single-seat C models and two D-model two-seaters, under

July 2016 www.combataircraft.net GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT | UNIT REVIEW Flying operations New pilots arriving on the 1st Tactical Fighter Squadron have come through the NATO Flying Training in Canada program, before heading to Sweden to undergo basic type conversion training on the Gripen. ‘The basic and advanced tactical training is own in Hungary with our own instructors’, added an MoD spokesman. ‘Meanwhile, new training phases and capabilities (CAS, night vision goggles, air-to-air refueling) are introduced with the help of Swedish and US instructors.’ In terms of the daily ight operations out of Kecskemét, Hungarian Gripen pilots can expect a standard NATO pattern. Said one ‘Pumas’ pilot, ‘Our main task is air policing in the NATO Integrated Air Defence System. Close air support is also a key element in Gripen operations in Hungary. Here at the base we conduct training ights almost every day depending on many factors at di erent times of the day — for example, the requirement for night ops can make the start of the day 18.00hrs local. ‘We start with a mass brief on weather and air tra c controller information. Meanwhile the groundcrews prepare the planned number of aircraft for ying 12 and the aircrew start mission-speci c brie ngs and preparations. The squadron operation center co-ordinates all the necessary mission details — airspace, ight plan, weapons load, etc — during the ying period and also prepares the scheduling for the following day’s ying

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 UNIT REVIEW | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT program. After the missions there will Left: Hungary’s An-12 had its automatic transponder on, early January 2016. During that time, be both individual and joint debrie ngs NATO while the Su-27 had its turned o . the Gripens were launched to intercept alignment and conducted to share experiences.’ the advent of Capt Viktor Lango, a Gripen pilot with aircraft on 25 occasions in real-world Gripen enabled over 600 hours on the type, was one of ‘Alpha’ scrambles, and undertook a ‘Puma’ patrol the country the designated chiefs of  ying operations further 101 ‘Tango’ scrambles. to cement a Hungary maintains a QRA for its own position as a for the BAP detachment. He explained to ‘The 2015 Baltic Air Policing mission airspace under NATO command. This valued ally. CA how it was going. ‘This is the rst time was a big success for the Hungarian Air responsibility was expanded dramatically we have been deployed to a foreign base Force’, summed up the MoD. Minister Below left: in late 2015 when four Hungarian Gripens Returning to and we are really happy that we are here’, of Defense Dr István Simicskó added and 80 personnel deployed to Šiauliai, the QRA barn Lango said. ‘We have had great feedback at the conclusion of the deployment Lithuania, to undertake NATO’s important at Šiauliai, from the commanders of the host nation that: ‘The Hungarian pilots did not only Lithuania, in Baltic Air Policing (BAP) QRA mission. 2015. and from back home over the last two perform their duties professionally, but This deployment, the 39th BAP rotation, months, so we are con dent we have also earned recognition, through their was hailed by the Hungarian government Below: A pair done the job well. The NATO chain of high professional standards, from the of live-armed as ‘the most di cult and most ‘Puma’ Gripens command and the CAOC [Combined Air commanders and the NATO CAOC in challenging mission of the Hungarian head to the Operations Centre] itself has said to us, .’ Air Force in the last 70 years’, such was active runway. ‘keep up the good work’. The MoD con rmed that Hungarian its signi cance. Four JAS 39Cs took over ‘One of the main training pushes for Gripens will attend the 2016 NATO Tiger responsibility from the Royal Norwegian this deployment was a live missile ring Meet exercise in Zaragoza, Spain, while Air Force, Hungary becoming the 16th exercise in Sweden in spring 2015. We one other con rmed operation in the BAP nation to secure the skies over trained some new pilots in order to future will be a return to Lithuania for the , and Lithuania. still maintain the QRA back home, and 2019 BAP rotation. No speci c aircraft The Hungarian Air Force’s inaugural undertook training for upgrades are planned for the future. ‘We BAP sortie was  own on September 3, the rst time, also under guidance from will just follow any software upgrades 2015. Lt Col Tamás Fekete, commander Sweden, as well as prolonged periods of proposed by the factory’, said the of the Hungarian detachment, told CA night ops.’ spokesperson. at the time: ‘The goal of the Hungarian The deployment undertook daily In conclusion, the MoD asserted that detachment is to continue the excellent ‘Tango’ (training) scrambles, as well as the ‘Gripen is the right tool for the job job of our allies, and to do our best to regular 2-v-2 training  ights with the for Hungary. It is a nice, small and clever keep up a safe and peaceful environment Estonia-based Luftwa e contingent, ghter. It is easy to operate on the for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania’. The rst and local training exercises with the ground and in the air. The up-to-date 13 ‘Alpha’ (live) intercept by the Hungarian Lithuanian Air Force. ‘As a pilot, this system with a great human-machine Air Force occurred on September mission has de nitely shown the value of interface provides the pilot with extra 15 when two Gripens were called to our training back home’, Lango a rmed. situational awareness, which helps to intercept a Russian Su-27 and An-12. Both The Hungarian pilots  ew more than reduce workload. With this aircraft we had pre- led  ight plans and maintained 430 hours on the BAP deployment, which can now speak the same language as our contact with air tra c controllers but the lasted from September 1, 2015 until NATO allies in air operations.’

July 2016 www.combataircraft.net A sharp formation of three JAS 39C Gripens from the tiger squadron of the 21. Základna Taktického Letectva at Čáslav. Alexander Golz

GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT | SWEDISH OPERATOR PROFILE

16 LONE WOLVES NORRBOTTENS FLYGFLOTTILJ — F 21 The ‘lone wolves’ of the Swedish Air Force’s 211th Squadron made their name in the reconnaissance role. Today the squadron’s work covers all aspects of the Saab Gripen’s multi-role capabilities.

report and photos: Søren Nielsen

21 WING WAS initially now the Gripen. A second squadron, aircraft. In the 1980s, the 212th and 213th formed as a detachment the 212th Squadron, was added during Squadrons were both equipped with of the Swedish Air Force the early 1960s. At this time both were the JA 37 version, capable of ful lling (Flygvapnet) in the north operating the Lansen, one equipped with air-to-air and attack duties — so began of the country in the the reconnaissance S 32 version and the the multi-role era. In the late 1990s, the early 1940s. It gained its other with the J 32 air-to-air ghter. This third squadron was disbanded as a result F rst permanent squadron later in the was the beginning of an era in which each of the single-role squadrons expanding This image: F 21 decade, when the 211th Squadron was squadron had a di erent and speci c task: their missions, and the 212th Squadron Gripens take a established at Luleå. F 21 started out as reconnaissance, or air defense. switched to the JAS 39 Gripen a few years moment to pose for the camera a reconnaissance wing with the 211th Both squadrons transitioned to the later. over the frozen Squadron as its only component unit Draken in the late 1960s, receiving the north prior to and  ew missions in northern Sweden, S 35E reconnaissance variant and the ‘Akktu Stakki’ air-to-air combat training. as well as in Finland and even as far J 35D ghter. — the lone wolf away as . In the early 1970s a third unit was added The 211th Squadron (known locally as Right: A JAS 39C The squadron’s initial equipment was to F 21 wing. The 213th Squadron was 211. strids ygdivisionen) continued to leaps into the air at Luleå the Saab S 18, a photo-reconnaissance equipped with the two-seat SK 60B and  y the Viggen, but with no de ned role powered by version of the B 18A bomber. Since had a primary attack role. for its two-seat versions it equipped its General then it has  own many types of aircraft, The rst Viggens arrived during the late them with jammers, turning this versatile Electric/Volvo Flygmotor RM12 including the Spit re, Mustang, Vampire, 1970s, when the 211th Squadron began warplane into an electronic warfare (F404-GE-400) ‘Tunnan’, Lansen, Draken, Viggen and  ying the SF/SH 37 reconnaissance ghter. The 211th  ew all versions of .

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 SWEDISH OPERATOR PROFILE | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT

the Viggen, including the AJSF 37, AJSH Strictly speaking, the QRA role is 37, JA 37, and Sk 37 from around the di erent for F 21 compared to the other millennium to the end of the Viggen era Swedish wings. F 21 is also responsible in 2005. The 211th Squadron was the last for QRA at locations in di erent parts of squadron ying the Viggen anywhere in Sweden, including Såtenäs, Ronneby, the world. , and Malmen. The squadrons It then converted to the JAS 39A/B plan when and whether the 211th Gripen in 2006 and the entire wing was or the 212th Squadron will deploy to  nally upgraded to the current C/D these bases, and related work involves versions in 2008. At the same time, the logistics such as bringing together all the number of jets was reduced. Another necessary equipment, airframes and crew change was the fact that the squadrons including pilots, groundcrew, mission no longer had their own airframes, as all planners and so on. aircraft were shared across the wing. This cross-squadron co-operation was seen Training and readiness to good e ect in 2011, when the Libyan The Flygvapnet squadrons work in three operation was conducted by elements of cycles, each lasting a year. A squadron both squadrons working together. starts out training students, and the The 211th Squadron is named ‘Akktu following year prepares for international Stakki’. In the native Sami language, readiness. In the  nal year the squadron this translates as ‘the lone wolf’. The is on international readiness. It is during squadron was given this name to re ect this period that it can be deployed to its reconnaissance role, and how these international hot-spots as in Operation missions often require a pilot to y alone, ‘Freedom Falcon’, the 2011 military deep into enemy territory. The squadron intervention in Libya. emblem features a wolf — the Big Bad When training student pilots, the Wolf from the Disney cartoon. quantity of international exercises is Today, the unit’s main tasks are necessarily limited, but the cross-border quick reaction alert (QRA) and combat training program gives students the readiness training. In general, more bene t of international participation. QRA activity has been evident around They are usually deployed to Rovaniemi 17 Scandinavia in the past couple of years, in Finland to familiarize them with in particular because of the Russian unknown airspace. During the second military showing its new-found strength and third years, when the unit is by ying a variety of mock bombing and preparing for international readiness, it  ghter scenarios close to the borders of will attempt to participate in at least one, the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. and sometimes two large international Compared to other parts of the country, exercises. however, F 21’s local QRA activity has not Sweden is a NATO Partnership for greatly increased, since it is surrounded Peace (PfP) nation, an initiative in which by Finland and . NATO builds relationships with partners

July 2016 www.combataircraft.net GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT | SWEDISH OPERATOR PROFILE

sets aside four weeks each year during which it only  ies night-time sorties. Pilots train to operate the di erent sensors and weapon systems in the dark. The four weeks are scheduled as two consecutive weeks in November/ December and another two in January/ February. The unit thus reduces the number of sorties that it needs to cancel. As well as these speci ed four weeks, the unit  ies dark sorties every Thursday from around the beginning of October to the end of May, weather permitting. During summertime there is daylight virtually all day long, making conditions perfect to train low-level missions and daylight sorties. Poor weather is not the only challenge during winter. The associated temperatures are also an important through military-to-military co-operation are beginning to take the view that it factor. Missions can be carried out even on training, exercises, disaster planning makes a positive di erence. Sweden will with an outside temperature of -25°C. and response, science and environmental be a part of the NATO Response Force The only restriction during such low issues, professionalization, policy from 2016 and the country actually temperatures is that the aircraft can planning, and relations with civilian participates in more international never be further away than 19 minutes governments. missions than many full NATO member of  ying time by the rescue helicopter. Despite not being a full member states. Night  ying at -25°C is avoided, of NATO, Sweden takes part in many however. When adding darkness, the international missions. NATO is likely Winter wonderland wind-chill factor (making it feel more to call upon Sweden’s help in a major Situated just south of the Circle, like -55°C) and the possibility that the 18 international contingency situation, Luleå presents many challenges during rescue helicopter won’t nd a downed given that Sweden operates a winter, with extremely cold weather pilot right away makes it simply an modern multi-role ghter, the Gripen. and very limited daylight. But instead of unnecessary risk to take. Technology-wise, the Flygvapnet is much seeing this as a problem, F 21 uses it to Above: The further ahead than some NATO nations, its advantage. During winter, the wing Gripen C Cross-border training and will be even more capable once it has the opportunity to  y ‘night’ sorties features The Flygvapnet has managed to a Martin- upgrades to the new JAS 39E version of during normal daytime working hours. Baker Mk10L optimize its daily training to involve the Gripen. This is hugely bene cial for the unit, as  ying against other squadrons from The question of whether Sweden pilots do not need to stay late and  y all as standard. other nations operating di erent should join NATO or remain non-aligned night to receive training in the dark. Below: A 211th airframes — and all without deploying. and not be bound to any alliance has The down-side of Luleå’s northerly Squadron This can all happen thanks to the been a point of controversy for many location is that sorties are often pilot walks perfect geographic location of the briskly to his years. The Swedish people are becoming cancelled during winter as a result of the Gripen on the Norwegian at Bodø, the Swedish increasingly positive towards NATO, and weather. To compensate for this, the unit line at Luleå. air base at Luleå, and the Finnish air

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 SWEDISH OPERATOR PROFILE | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT base at Rovaniemi. The potential o ered Face-to-face Big airspace, big ranges by Nordic defense co-operation is thus The cross-border training program is Airspace almost four times larger than that utilized across the borders of these very rewarding, as it costs no more than used for the ‘Red Flag’ exercises at Nellis countries — an initiative that started out regular training. The squadron doesn’t Air Force Base in Nevada provides many as the cross-border training program. need to deploy, but can take o from its opportunities, and very few restrictions. What started more than 10 years ago own air eld, join the  ght, and then land And the advantages extend beyond cross- as small-scale training in basic air-to- back at its home base. The units have set border training. A number of di erent air engagements has now grown into up a video-conference system, allowing ranges very close to Luleå o er an ideal one of the most e ective daily training brie ng and debrie ng to be conducted location for simulated combat. programs anywhere in the world, ‘face-to-face’, even though participants Squadron commander Lt Col Tobhias utilizing the massive airspace of the are not located at the same air base. Wikström compares the airspace to other remote and deserted northern part of Mission planning is conducted areas available in Europe, and concludes Sweden. using a special internet portal, in that the cross-border training program is Today, cross-border training is a large- which the mission commanders input spoiled for choice. Wikström told Combat scale operation, in which the squadrons their planning. All the brie ngs and Aircraft that every time he is deployed to at the three northern bases can put in debrie ngs are also stored in this portal. alternative airspace areas, the number a ‘wish-list’ of the training they desire. Everybody can evaluate the facts that of restrictions surprises him. This has This can range from a large force emerge from the missions, a ording a a direct e ect on planning air-to-air deployment to simple, basic training for unique opportunity to enhance their training, since he has to take into account the students on the squadron. This wish- training. the size of the area, and altitude or speed list is then incorporated once a year into Cross-border training o ers numerous restrictions. the operational plan for cross-border advantages, perhaps the biggest of Having the largest live  ring, evaluation training. The aspiration is to have 64 which being how the students involved and test range in Europe within  ve events a year. This is then revisited after get to  y many more sorties against minutes of your base is a big plus. With six months to check if the participants a mix of Gripens, F-16s and F/A-18s. 10,000 square kilometers of restricted are sticking to the plan. Students from squadrons that are not airspace and up to 3,300 square Some days will see two nations part of the program  y almost all of their kilometers of restricted ground space,  ghting each other; on others, all missions against the same aircraft type. evaluation programs can be executed three join the fray. A typical trilateral Once a year the participating squadrons e ciently, with very few restrictions. force might comprise eight Swedish arrange an actual meeting at one of Since the Swedish government owns Gripens and two Norwegian F-16s the air bases. This is the Arctic Fighter the range, you can’t simply drop bombs 19 working together against six F/A-18s Meet, a great opportunity to meet as you like, and slots need to be booked in from Finland. The nations share the other pilots who would otherwise only advance. The big advantage of the range burden as Red Air, and aim to  y be familiar from video conferences. It is that all ordnance dropped is measured every second sortie as the ‘enemy’. further enhances relationships between and evaluated, with clear bene ts for The sortie is tailored to what the ‘good squadrons across national borders, squadron learning. It is not only the air guys’ want, and Red Air will then play and it gives the squadrons a chance force that exploits the range; the defense the role required by the other units. to share the pros and cons with their industry and foreign organizations are Variation is maximized, and training Below: Luleå’s counterparts. During the Arctic Fighter also present, as are other elements of the northern optimized toward the speci cs that the location means Meet, some of the more experienced . participants want to train for. This could that night pilots from one nation  y with the As a former Cold War base, the range has involve o ensive counter-air, defensive operations are a younger, less experienced aviators from a landing strip, which makes it ideal for regular element counter-air, or large-scale deployment of the ying another, with resultant bene ts for all the squadron deployments in close proximity scenarios. there. players. to the range.

July 2016 www.combataircraft.net FLYING THE GRIPEN

report: Lewis Gaylard

HE SINGLE LARGEST host bases, and large operational areas Note the two user of the Gripen is the ‘The Gripen is a available in Sweden, Norway and Finland. di erent Swedish Air Force, with con gurations ACE 2015 was one of the biggest exercises of these 204 aircraft ordered and remarkably pilot- within Europe last year, involving round Gripens. One the best part of 100 still 3,600 personal and 115 aircraft from carries a pair in service with three friendly aircraft of 1,136-liter nine di erent countries. Besides Sweden, (300-US gallon) Twings: F 7 Såtenäs, F 17 Ronneby, and and it’s a joy to Norway and Finland, participating drop tanks and F 21 Luleå. One of the most experienced nations comprised , Germany, the the other a pair Gripen pilots in the Swedish Air Force is of AIM-120 handle. One of the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United AMRAAMs. Maj Stefan Kaarle, deputy commanding Kingdom, and the United States. o cer of the 212th Squadron, with main strengths almost 2,100 hours on type. Squadron futures Maj Kaarle began his career in 1992 at 20 of the Gripen, As armed forces around the world face the military  ying school at Ljungbyhed, cutbacks, Sweden’s politicians have where he  ew the SK 60 () for in comparison recently suggested a reorganization of three years. On completion of his  ying the entire Swedish defense force, which training he moved to the JA 37 Viggen, with other similar would mean that the Flygvapnet would which he  ew for  ve years and achieved aircraft, is its reduce the number of active squadrons 1,000 hours on type. At this point Kaarle by having one, enlarged wing at each transferred to the modern Gripen: ‘Since human-machine base: F 7 Såtenäs, F 17 Ronneby, and 2001 the Saab JAS 39 Gripen has been F 21 Luleå. This would reduce expenses my o ce. The conversion training from interface’ by cutting the number of personnel and JA 37 Viggen to JAS 39 Gripen went quite airframes. smoothly as both aircraft are built by Saab MAJ STEFAN KAARLE It has been suggested that this change and they knew which parts of the Viggen in the structure of the Flygvapnet and to keep, and which parts to improve. ‘Arctic Challenge’ its squadrons could be put into e ect ‘The Gripen is a remarkably pilot-friendly Combining the advantages from the once they have completed transition aircraft and it’s a joy to handle. One of cross-border training program and the to the Gripen E. The Swedish Air Force the main strengths of the Gripen, in Arctic Fighter Meet and transforming plans for the Gripen E to improve overall comparison with other similar aircraft, is these into a large-scale international capabilities, despite a reduction in the its HMI [human-machine interface], also exercise results in the ‘Arctic Challenge number of available airframes. Exercise’ (ACE). Compared to cross-border ‘If this suggestion goes through, training, ACE includes more units spread then it will most likely be the 211th out across three air bases. Squadron that will survive’, says squadron The aim is to train units in the commander Lt Col Wikström. ‘F 21 wing orchestration and conduct of complex started out with the 211th Squadron and air operations, while maintaining a close now we will see what the future brings.’ relationship with NATO and PfP partners. The unique cross-border airspace makes Acknowledgments: Thanks to Louise ACE a one-of-a-kind training ground for Levin, head of the F 21 public a airs increasing interoperability and skills in all o ce; Lt Col Tobhias Wikström, parts of the chain. 211th Squadron commander; Martin The exercise includes a wide range of Westerstrand and Björn Lindroth for making this article possible. scenarios, co-operation between the three

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 FROM THE COCKPIT | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT known as PVI [pilot-vehicle interface]. One The ying areas (LFE) with more than 20 jets down to less one of the best training areas in the world. of the toughest challenges for a modern around Luleå complicated ights such as BFM (basic Huge areas are nearly unpopulated and have been  ghter pilot is handling the enormous dubbed a ‘pilot’s  ghter maneuvers) 1-v-1. These exercises very few civil pass through. In the amount of information that is presented dream’, with allow us all to train complex scenarios center of our training area there is a highly to them. Sensors such as the LDP [laser huge amounts while sharing the costs. advanced training and test range where of uncongested designation pod], EWS [electronic warfare airspace. ‘Our current versions of the Gripen are we can drop live bombs and  re advanced suite], reconnaissance pod, Link 16, and Søren Nielsen the C/D. This is a fully NATO-interoperable air-to-air missiles. the highly advanced radar constantly  ghter equipped with Link 16, Have Quick ‘This test area is often used in our present the pilot with information. All of II (secure voice communications), and advanced scenarios, where we are able to these systems are user-friendly and can air-to-air refueling capacity. During the set up  ctional villages for bomb dropping operate in di erent automatic modes, last decade we have been armed with or launch ying targets for air-to-air  ring giving the pilot the possibility to swing Sidewinders as infra-red missiles and practice. Neighboring countries also freely between roles and even work in AMRAAM has been our stand-o weapon utilize this test range and it is the stage di erent modes simultaneously, [for of choice. At this time we are integrating for a yearly exercise called ACE, ‘Arctic instance] air-to-air and air-to-ground. This, IRIS-T and the Meteor with the HMD [BAE Challenge Exercise’. We hope to see ACE for me, is what true omni-role means. One Systems/Saab Cobra helmet-mounted continue to grow and to be comparable of the main di erences between a good display]. This will be a big game-changer in future to such well-known exercises as pilot and a fresh one is the ability to sort for us. We will be able to launch radar ‘Red Flag’.’ information based on importance at any missiles from much greater distances and given time and situation. This is also where in dog ghts we will be able to launch the Air-to-ground the Gripen’s HMI excels.’ IRIS-T from most angles around the clock. Being a multi-role  ghter means it is not ‘The Gripen’s cockpit displays consist just the glamorous air-to-air combat Air-to-air of three large multi-color displays and that needs to be practised, but also the One of the core roles for the Gripen is one large head-up display [HUD]. These ‘down and dirty’ air-to-ground role. For a air-to-air combat, and the aircraft has present a moving map, a radar scope, and lightweight  ghter the Gripen excels in proven itself to be a match for most a defensive indicator. In the HUD I  nd this environment and can call on myriad opponents. The PS-05/A pulse-Doppler most of the information needed to y the sensors and munitions to ful ll its mission. X-band multi-mode radar is capable of aircraft and deliver my weapons. The pilot Training can be time-consuming, and as guiding several beyond visual range can choose which information he wishes military technology advances by the day (BVR) air-to-air missiles to multiple targets to be presented on which display. I can the ying can bring many challenges, as simultaneously. also bring up the information from the Kaarle comments: ‘Air-to-ground missions 21 As Kaarle explains, air combat is integral reconnaissance pod or the LDP on either have been carried out throughout to the Swedish Air Force: ‘The Gripen display. The radar can work in a multitude Swedish aviation history; however, in the is a small and highly agile  ghter and I of sub-modes in both air-to-air and last 10 or so years, these missions have have participated in ‘Red Flag’ exercises air-to-ground mode. It is also possible to evolved and grown more advanced. in Alaska and at Nellis. I have also been a have some sensors scanning for air-to-air ‘One example is dropping laser-guided player in some of the events in Europe, targets while simultaneously other sensors bombs from a Gripen while a ground- such as ‘Frisian Flag’ in the Netherlands. scan for air-to-ground targets. based team helps guide the missile to ‘In Scandinavia we arrange a cross- ‘The aircraft is designed to reduce the its target. New players such as Army and border training event on a weekly basis, pilot workload as much as possible, which Navy soldiers are introduced to the scene with participants coming from Sweden enables the pilot to focus more on using and we continuously work together to (Gripen), Norway (F-16) and Finland the di erent sensors and weapons than on hone our respective skills and tactics. We (F/A-18) and on occasion Denmark (F-16) ying. For instance, it is possible to steer often train together with the forward air and the US Air Forces in Europe (F-15 the aircraft with the pedals, leaving both controller [FAC] school, as they are located and KC-135). We launch the jets from hands free to work on the sensors. close to our home base.’ our respective home bases to meet up ‘Flying in the vicinity of Luleå air base Kaarle goes on to describe a typical in any of our countries where we train with F 21 is very much what I would call a air-to-ground mission: ‘A Gripen would anything from large force employments pilot’s dream. We are lucky enough to have be sent up on a dark and crisp polar night

July 2016 www.combataircraft.net GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT | FROM THE COCKPIT

Sweden now operates six Gripen squadrons, and they are starting to receive upgrades to MS20 software standard. This adds the Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), making the Swedish Air Force the rst operational user of this potent new missile. Søren Nielsen

for a close air support-type mission on Gripen using our latest the range. After a short transit to the SPK 39 recce pod.’ range I would establish radio contact with my assigned JTAC [Joint Terminal ‘Unified Attack Controller], located somewhere Protector’ in the dark, vast wilderness. They make With Sweden being non-aligned, it was themselves visible by rotating a ‘sword’ of not until March 2011 that the government laser above their heads. Being equipped permitted the Gripen to take part in with night vision goggles, I have no operations in a potentially hostile area. An trouble seeing them. initial three-month deployment of eight ‘What follows is an impressive display of aircraft was agreed to help police the no- 22 teamwork where our laser beams align to  y zone over Libya, which was mandated con rm the location of the target. Before I by the United Nations. An extension to drop the bomb, I ask for a laser spot on the the deployment for ve of the aircraft target from my JTAC. This laser spot slaves followed on June 8, 2011. my aiming device and I can now drop As one of the deployed aircrew, Maj the bomb, con dent that the designated Kaarle is well placed to give an oversight target will be hit by my bomb with the of the Gripen’s role in the skies over North least possible collateral damage. Through Africa: ‘During the Cold War, the focus my laser designator I can con rm a good was on national defense. We protected hit, as I am temporarily blinded by the our borders and tried to establish a explosion.’ respectable enough defense for it not The Swedish Air Force has developed to be worth the trouble of occupying a world-renowned reputation for its Sweden. As the Cold War came to an end, reconnaissance work, the origins of which our focus shifted. The Air Force prepared can be traced back to the months after to be part of an international coalition, WW2. As Sweden recognized the growing mainly operating in or near Europe. These threat from the Soviet Union it began preparations consisted of changes to the tentative steps into the reconnaissance aircraft as well as signi cant changes to role with Baltic patrols beginning in the fall tactics and procedures. In 2000 we began of 1945,  own by F 17 out of Ronneby. participating in international exercises, Today the Gripen allows the Swedish aiming towards being a PfP/NATO/UN Air Force to perform its reconnaissance integrated force. These e orts culminated duties to a very high standard, as Kaarle in our participation in ‘Red Flag’ at Nellis makes clear: ‘Sweden has a long tradition in 2008. At that time we felt ready to of training skilled and e ective recce pilots. contribute as a coalition member. During the Cold War we had to keep a ‘In the spring of 2011 Sweden was close eye on what was going on outside of asked to participate in Operation ‘Uni ed our coastline, in the air and on the surface Protector’ [OUP]. We were tasked with of the . This was done by two setting up a ghting force at Naval Air versions of the Gripen’s predecessor, the Station [NAS] Sigonella on Sicily. Six SH 37 and the SF 37 Viggen. Today these Gripens equipped with weapons and recce missions are carried out by the sensors to protect a no- y zone and

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 FROM THE COCKPIT | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT conduct recce missions were sent. Just a crowded. There were givers and receivers Inset: Maj Stefan were available to provide the CAOC with few days after the o cial order we landed everywhere on di erent altitudes. Above Kaarle, deputy immediate recce, should the need for it commanding at Sigonella. At this point we knew we Tripoli we saw SEAD/DEAD [suppression/ o cer of arise. Flying in a war zone was de nitely were writing history, as we were the  rst destruction of enemy air defenses] forces the 212th new for me, but at the same time I felt Squadron. He Swedish force equipped with military and the airspace was full of capable strangely comfortable. I had been in has almost  ghters to be deployed abroad since  ghters from many di erent nations. With 2,100 hours on similar situations before on exercises, but the Saab ‘Tunnan’  ew in the Congo a full tank of gas, I put my Gripen in war type. they were just that: exercises. Swedish Air Force in the early 1960s. After a few days of mode. We were ready to deliver. ‘Now, over Libya, thinking about what preparation, the task from the Combined ‘We entered Libya on our assigned Below: Punching we were really doing made me feel Air Operations Centre [CAOC] came and altitude and our feet went dry. Our  rst out an infra-red humble. The coalition is using lethal decoy  are, this the  rst two-ship [using the call sign] task was to cover some preplanned force to reach their objectives, and we Gripen reveals ‘Kingdom 01/02’ took o . targets close to Tripoli with our recce pod its load of large are part of that coalition. When we were ‘We were convinced that we had the and LDP. This would take us about an hour Saab RBS 15F back out over the Mediterranean Sea, we anti-shipping right training and that our jets were ready and, after that, the intention was to hit the performed a belly check on each other missiles. for these types of missions. Everyone tanker a second time and report that we Søren Nielsen to make sure we didn’t have any damage in the squadron felt good about the from GBAD [ground-based air defenses] operation and we were all very motivated shooting at us. We set our jets back to to do our best. I remember my  rst  ight peace settings and returned to Sicily with in Libya very well, as it was also my  rst our photos and new experiences. combat sortie. I was absolutely focused. ‘Before the mission was wrapped up, The pre- ight walk-around, where my jet our image analysts had to submit a report was equipped with more weapons [such to the CAOC within the given timeframe. as] AMRAAM and IRIS-T than I had ever This was seldom a problem, and I had the seen on a Gripen was a reminder for me sense the CAOC was very satis ed with of the con ict we were now part of. There what the Swedish Air Force provided them was a transit  ight of roughly one hour with during OUP in Libya. before arriving at the air-to-air refueling ‘This is what we are trained for. We did area. The transit felt weird, as I was  ying exactly what our government told us to in civil airspace over the Mediterranean do, and the Swedish delegation of Gripens Sea among airliners bringing passengers made a di erence. I can con dently say to sunny beaches, while we were heading that we played a positive part in the 23 for something entirely di erent. In a way outcome of the con ict. This makes me it felt like an exercise, but everything was proud of myself, the Swedish detachment, included. For instance, the tanker area was and the coalition forces  ghting in OUP.’

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24 SAAB EYES DEFENSE GROWTH ‘ T’S A TOTALLY different picture that it came just three years after contract Above: Saab will activity linked to the situation in the South compared with a couple of years signature in February 2013. Indeed, the still offer new- China Sea. It’s a market where Buskhe sees build Gripen C/ ago’, comments Håkan Buskhe. ability to react to fluid requirements from Ds, and upgrade competition as being ‘extremely tough’. The Saab president and CEO is customers means that lead times for the model. This In Europe, too, defense spending is on referring to world security, and new technology and the ability to ‘grow’ C is updated the rise. Peter Hultqvist, Sweden’s Minister to the latest areas of unrest. ‘I can see conflicts and upgrade are increasingly important, MS20 standard, for Defense, says: ‘The Baltic States feel a and variables escalating, not decreasing’, something that Saab recognizes. now becoming level of tension toward Russia. We have I operational with he added. In Sweden there is a keen sense of the decided to upgrade our military capability the Swedish Speaking on the eve of the official roll- escalation in Russian military spending Air Force. It with a SEK10.2-billion investment to out of the new Gripen E, Buskhe presented and the willingness on Moscow’s part to carries eight 2020’. The increased spending in Sweden a very positive picture of the current exercise its new capabilities. GBU-39 Small represents a reversal of fortunes, following Diameter Bombs situation for Saab. He called the event ‘a Asia, Saab’s second-largest military and Meteor a period during which its military forces dream’ for a CEO, especially considering market, is also seeing huge procurement BVRAAMs. Saab were continually subject to downsizing.

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 MARKET PERSPECTIVE | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT

25 SAAB With military budgets around the world now beginning to increase after years of downturn — including in key European and Asian markets — Saab sees potential for strong growth in the EYES DEFENSE GROWTH defense sector. For Saab, the focus is on maintaining investments: the new radar and sensors deal signed during the Dubai Airshow the technological edge. Buskhe says that that form the core of the new GlobalEye, in November 2015. This comprises the 25 per cent of the company’s turnover is the two new Swedish A26 submarines, Swing-Role Surveillance System (SRSS) re-invested in research and development. the joint program with Boeing to hosted on a Bombardier Global 6000 ‘We could increase our profit margins by develop a T-X candidate and, of course, . The concept is centered reducing our R&D, but we would probably the Gripen E. around the new ER (Extended be out of the market in five or six years if Range) S-band active electronically we did that’, he asserts. Swedish Air Power Package scanned array (AESA) multi-mode radar. In addition to its domestic market, The GlobalEye now forms a core part of In the maritime domain the Erieye ER, Saab is seeing big growth further afield. what Saab calls its ‘Air Power Package’. coupled with the Selex Galileo Seaspray With a portfolio of some 600 products, The aircraft is being offered in the 7500E ventral radar, is capable of Buskhe refers to four key programs configuration ordered by the United Arab detecting ships out to the radar horizon at that are dominating Saab’s current Emirates under a $1.27-billion, two-aircraft around 400km (249 miles).

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26

The operates for eight single-seat JAS 39Cs was the Above: Thailand as they are retired: they may be offered for two AEW&C Erieyes with 702 nearest to being completed in Europe. This has received sale second-hand. 12 Gripens to Squadron at Surat Thani RTAFB, acquired is thought likely to include the lease of date and more Saab intends to keep updating and as part of an integrated air defense new-build aircraft, but has been delayed could follow. building the C/D version, inserting package with its 12 Gripens. In September by a recent general election in the central Saab/Katsuhiko technology from the ‘Echo’ where possible. Tokunaga last year the RTAF marked 5,000 flight European nation. Croatia, and The extra fuel will not be an option, but an hours with its Gripens, and reports suggest maybe even , if media reports Inset: Saab AESA radar upgrade may be on the cards. that Indonesia may have been offered a are to be believed, are among the possible president and However, this is thought not to be the AESA CEO Håkan similar package that cleverly integrates customers, and it remains to be seen what Buskhe. Saab from the Gripen E. Of the C/D, Buskhe says: land/sea-based radar systems with the will happen to the Swedish Air Force C/Ds ‘There will be a need in years to come [for Erieye and Gripen elements, all networked via Link 16 and fighter datalinks. Saab is keen to stress that it will continue to offer new-build Gripen C/Ds as well as the JAS 39E/F variants depending upon customer requirements. The processes and procedures linked to the newer variant are sure to appeal to potential customers eyeing the Gripen. ‘When we started the Gripen E project we needed to change our [procedures] of design and production to cut lead times and cut costs’, Buskhe adds. ‘The full development cost of the Gripen E program and the test aircraft is less than $2 billion.’

Forecast Saab sees a global market for some 400 to 450 Gripens. Jerker Ahlqvist, head of the Gripen program, said a deal with Slovakia

www.combataircraft.net July 2016 MARKET PERSPECTIVE | GRIPEN SUPPLEMENT the C/D]. It’s an extremely good fighter. We will be able to deliver it fast — within 18 months — and will continue to develop it’. A common development track is planned for the Gripen C/D and E/F variants ‘well Right: Sweden into the next 10 years’. This is intended both looks set to to satisfy existing customers and attract remain an operator of new interest. the Gripen Buskhe believes Switzerland ‘will come C/D until back’ and that Saab is competing with around 2025, when the new the Gripen E in Belgium and Finland. Gripen E will Finland recently put out an RFI to replace totally replace its F/A‑18C/D Hornets, with the Gripen the earlier- generation E facing competition from the F-35 and fighters. F/A‑18E/F. If Gripen E demand grows, Saab Alexander Golz expects to be able to surge production Below right: to 25 to 30 Gripens per year if required. In The new addition, it will have the capacity provided Bombardier worked with Dassault very successfully he adds: ‘We are complete with the basic by its forthcoming South American Global 6000 [on the Neuron program] and we are design and we are in discussion with the business production line in Brazil. jet-based also working on the unmanned Gripen Brazilian Navy’. Brazil has a requirement Other sales potential exists in GlobalEye. Saab that we launched three years ago. As to replace its Skyhawks and the Gripen M for JAS 39C/Ds, and is still very much the number of platforms increases, cost would offer commonality as it is based on Bottom right: a ‘live’ campaign. In fact, the Gripen would The South increases, so the ability to utilize [the] the Gripen E, with structural upgrades to appear to fit requirements African Air Gripen [either] unmanned or manned meet the demands of maritime ‘cat and extremely well. Jerker Ahlqvist says: ‘We Force has is important’. Speaking of the Gripen M, trap’ operations. Jamie Hunter struggled with believe there is an opportunity for us in budgetary India with MMRCA [the Medium Multi- support, Role Combat Aircraft deal] limited to 36 but has still been able Rafales’. There is a clear gap for a single- to maintain engine fighter as the MiG-21 is phased out its Gripens of service, and Saab’s performance to date despite tough economic 27 in Brazil would also help meet the ‘Make in times. Saab India’ requirement. Jerker Ahlqvist says that Saab is already Below: Part of what a future looking beyond the Gripen E, with a Swedish air company study under its Future Combat power package Aircraft System (FCAS) program. It is also could look like — the ‘Gripen pushing forward with its unmanned Demo’ aircraft Gripen and Gripen M (formerly Sea on the left, Gripen) concepts. ‘Unmanned and with a Saab 340 ERIEYE and autonomous systems are extremely the Neuron. important to Saab’, he states. ‘We have Saab

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