Sweden has received its first production JAS 39 Gripen E fighter - the aircraft will be tested and deliveries will begin in 2025
Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration has received the first production fighter JAS 39 Gripen E. The Saab aircraft is intended for operational testing.
Here's What We Know
The fighter was handed over to the administration earlier this month. It has the flight number 6002. The aircraft joins two Gripen E prototypes, which are also intended to undergo pre-delivery testing.
Saab has thus handed over three fighter jets to the customer. The Defence Equipment Directorate said that all the aircraft are taking part in tests. If everything goes according to plan, deliveries will start in 2025.
The Defence Technology Directorate has received the first production Gripen E fighter almost four years after the Swedish aircraft made its debut flight. It took to the skies for the first time in December 2019.
Saab has only two customers. Apart from Sweden, which has ordered 60 fighter jets, only Brazil has shown interest in the Gripen E. The South American country purchased 36 aircraft, becoming its first and only international customer.
Source: Janes