Swedish Saab JAS 39 Grippen
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Lougheed Martin F35 Lightning
The F-35 is a technologically superior fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for air dominance in contested environments, while the Gripen E is a lighter, more affordable multi-role fighter better suited for nations with smaller budgets or limited infrastructure, excelling in agility and dispersed operations. The choice depends on a nation's specific needs, as the F-35 offers maximum situational awareness and stealth, whereas the Gripen provides a cost-effective, highly maneuverable option for air policing and patrolling, especially in challenging environments like the Arctic.
F-35 Advantages
• Stealth:
Its primary advantage is advanced stealth technology, making it very difficult to detect and target.
• Sensor Fusion & Situational Awareness:
The F-35 integrates advanced sensors to create a comprehensive, unified picture for the pilot, offering superior situational awareness.
• Networked Warfare:
It excels at seamlessly integrating with other F-35 flying nations, promoting deterrence and enabling collaborative operations.
• High-Threat Environments:
It is designed to penetrate and dominate contested airspace, making it ideal for high-intensity conflicts.
Gripen E Advantages
• Cost-Effectiveness:
The Gripen is significantly cheaper to acquire and operate than the F-35, making it a more viable option for many countries.
• Agility and Maneuverability:
Its delta wing and canard design provide excellent maneuverability, making it highly agile in the air.
• Versatility and Dispersed Operations:
The Gripen can operate from austere airfields and stretches of public roads, offering great flexibility for dispersed operations, particularly in challenging locations.
• High Service Availability:
It has very low maintenance requirements and high service availability compared to the F-35.
Key Differences
• Stealth vs. Maneuverability:
The F-35 is a stealth-focused aircraft, while the Gripen prioritizes agility and electronic warfare capabilities.
• Situational Awareness:
The F-35's sensor fusion capabilities provide unparalleled situational awareness, a significant advantage over the Gripen.
• Internal vs. External Stores:
The F-35 carries its weapons internally to maintain its stealth profile, whereas the Gripen carries most of its stores externally, increasing its radar cross-section.
Each F35 costs between $115 million to $140 million Cdn. Contains about $3.2 million Cdn worth of parts. Grippen one-sixth as much with 80% of the capabilities. Possibility of Grippen construction in Canada. F35 at most 2.8% Canadian made components. US$35,000 per hour to operate F-35. The Grippen operating cost about $5000 per hour. For all the far reaching integrated sensors, the F35 doesn't know what's on screen without costly mission data updates involving ground based intelligence to make identifications. Meant for penetrating active war zones. F-35 stealth width optimally of a bumblebee when not degraded or deteriorated. Canada committed to purchasing 16 F35s with option of another 72. I think Canada should stop here and say hello to the versatile agile Grippen E. F35 contractors in Canada may continue to bid.