To close out 2023, War Thunder Game Developer Gaijin Entertainment added several top-tier jet aircraft such as the JAS 39 Gripen.
These jets were added as part of War Thunder’s newest update called “Air Superiority.” The specific aircraft included the American F-15, the Russian Su-27, and the Chinese J-11.
Today, we’ll be taking a look at Sweden’s new fighter in War Thunder: The War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen.
War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen Overview
The Gripen, manufactured by the Swedish defense corporation Saab AB, is a single-engine multirole fighter. Initially introduced to the Swedish Air Force in 1996, the War Thunder JAS 39 is considered Sweden’s first true multirole combat airplane – it is effective in ground strikes, interception, and reconnaissance.
In-game, the JAS 39 Gripen is placed at a battle rating of 12.3 alongside the F-16 and the MiG-29, and is able to go toe-to-toe with such aircraft on a more even footing than its predecessor, the JA37 (the interceptor/strike fighter variant of the Saab 37 Viggen), which has a battle rating of 11.3.
Related: Analyzing War Thunder’s Newest Aircraft: The F-16 Fighting Falcon
Evolution of Swedish Fighter Aircraft
Towards the end of the 1970s, Sweden was looking for an upgrade from fighter-interceptors like the Saab 35 Draken and the Saab 37 Viggen. These older aircraft were slowly losing their status as some of the most advanced fighters in Europe despite repeated upgrades and modifications.
The Swedish government did study foreign designs from France and the United States. They primarily looked into the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F/A-18 Hornet, and the Dassault Mirage 2000. However, they chose to develop a completely new fighter with Saab. Saab took on the challenge and, in 1987, unveiled the JAS 39 Gripen. This aircraft was classified as a fourth-generation fighter jet.
Gripen Variants and Features
Since its introduction to the Swedish Air Force nearly 30 years ago, several variations of the War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen have been created. The latest variation has been the Gripen E/F. The main distinction between the two is that the Gripen E is single-seat, while the Gripen F is twin-seat.
The aircraft is equipped with a Volvo RM12 engine. This engine is a derivative of the Pratt & Whitney F404 used by several American aircraft. These include the F18 Hornet and the F117 Nighthawk.
The JAS 39 Gripen also features the PS-05/A Mk4 radar. This is a powerful AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar system developed by Leonardo DRS.
War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen: Armament and In-Game Capabilities
Designed as a multirole combat aircraft, the War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen is optimized to be able to carry a wide variety of air-to-air and guided bombs.
Commonly integrated missiles include the AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile) and the AIM-9 Sidewinder, a heat-seeking short-range air-to-air missile.
In-game, the fighter can be equipped only with Swedish missiles such as the RB71 and RB74, in an effort to keep it distinctly Swedish. However, these missiles are Swedish derivatives of the American designs mentioned previously.
It is also important to note that the variants featured in War Thunder are the Gripen A and the Gripen C, rather than the modern ones that are still in service today. The fighter additionally carries a single 27mm Akan m/85 cannon.
Related: Is War Thunder a National Security Risk?
War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen: Legacy and Adaptability
The War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen’s journey went from the drawing board to real-world success, Its ultimate integration into the skies of War Thunder is a testament to its enduring appeal and adaptability.
As players continue to embrace the challenge of mastering this modern marvel, the Gripen’s legacy evolves in both the real and virtual realms, solidifying its status as a symbol of innovation and excellence in aviation.
Whether soaring through the clouds in a virtual dogfight or patrolling the skies in reality, the War Thunder JAS 39 Gripen stands as a shining example of what happens when cutting-edge technology meets the thrill of aerial combat.
