Gripen widely known for its reliability
Gripen is known for its great reliability. It has already flown more than 145,000 hours and has an impressive safety record. No Gripen has ever been lost due to engine failure. Like the F-16 – the best selling military aircraft in the world – and the Mirage III used by Switzerland until 2003, Gripen has one engine which significantly reduces operating costs. As well as the resulting low operating and maintenance costs this also brings the major advantage of greater availability (time available in the air).
The worlds most highly developed data link systems
Gripen was specially designed for use within a network-based defence environment and it boasts the world's most highly developed data link systems. This gives pilots total situation awareness in all combat scenarios. Smooth interaction with the Swiss Air Force's existing F/A-18 fighters and FLORAKO air defence system is guaranteed at all times.
The latest generation weapons
Together with the heavy F/A-18 fighter, Gripen would form an ideal mix of forces improving the capabilities of the Swiss Air Force. Gripen is cleared for use of the latest generation weapons, ensuring that weapons in the Swiss inventory can be successfully utilized on Gripen with minimum effort.
Single fighter fleet
In the future, should the Swiss fighter strategy be a single fighter fleet, the multi-role Gripen will be an excellent platform for such a fleet strategy.