Billion-Dollar Beasts: Exploring the Most Expensive Military Vehicles to Ever Hit the Battlefield

15. Gripen, Saab JAS 39

Overview of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen Joined the Service: 1988 Producer: Saab Price: *$45-25 million Key Features Type: Lightweight, multi-role fighter aircraft with a single engine. Design: Delta wing configuration with relaxed stability and a canard arrangement. Control System: All flying controls are fly-by-wire for enhanced maneuverability and precision. Engine: Powered by a Volvo RM12 engine. Name Origin: "Gripen" translates to "Griffin" in English.

Advertisement

Development and Interoperability of the Saab JAS 39 Gripen Modifications: The Gripen aircraft underwent modifications to meet NATO interoperability standards. Original Intent: Developed by the Swedish government to perform combat, attack, and surveillance missions. Historical Context: The concept for the Gripen began in the late 1970s. First Flight: The Gripen was initially flown in 1988. Operational Acceptance: It was accepted into the Swedish Air Force (SAF) in 1996.