First Gripen E Fighter Jet Lands at Swedish Air Base

Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration delivered the first JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft to the Swedish Armed Forces on Monday. Test pilot Peter Wiklund flew the advanced fighter to Såtenäs Air Base in southwest Sweden. Wiklund described the experience as driving a sports car in the air. The Gripen E represents the latest generation of Sweden's domestically produced multi-role combat aircraft. This delivery marks a milestone in Sweden's military modernization program. The new jets will gradually replace older Gripen C/D models currently in service. Sweden maintains a strong tradition of developing its own defense systems rather than relying on foreign imports. The Gripen series has become one of Europe's most successful fighter exports, with several NATO countries operating the aircraft. This domestic production approach provides Sweden with strategic autonomy but comes at substantial cost to taxpayers.