In the realm of modern aerial warfare, the Saab Gripen E/F and Lockheed Martin’s F-16 Block 70/72 stand out as prominent 4.5-generation multirole fighters.
Both aircraft have been developed to meet the evolving demands of air forces worldwide, offering advanced capabilities in air superiority, ground attack, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions.
These two fighters, examine their design philosophies, avionics, weapon systems, performance metrics, operational costs, and strategic implications.
Aircraft Overview
Gripen E/F
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Manufacturer: Saab AB (Sweden)
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Generation: 4.5+
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Roles: Multirole fighter (air superiority, ground attack, ISR)
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First Flight: Gripen E: 2017
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Users: Sweden, Brazil (E/F)
F-16 Block 70/72
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Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin (USA)
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Generation: 4.5+
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Roles: Multirole fighter (air superiority, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), precision strike)
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First Flight: Block 70: 2015
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Users: Bahrain, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Jordan, among others
Avionics & Sensor Suite
Radar Systems
The Gripen E/F is equipped with the Raven ES-05 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, notable for its swashplate-mounted design that allows a wider field of view. In contrast, the F-16 Block 70/72 utilizes the AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) AESA, which enhances target detection and tracking capabilities. While both radars offer significant advancements over previous generations, the Gripen’s swashplate mechanism provides a broader scanning area, potentially offering tactical advantages in certain combat scenarios.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
The Gripen E/F features the Skyward-G IRST system, enabling passive tracking of stealth aircraft and enhancing situational awareness without emitting detectable signals. The F-16 Block 70/72 does not include a standard IRST system; however, it can be equipped with an external pod to provide similar capabilities. The integration of IRST into the Gripen’s design offers a seamless operational experience, whereas the F-16’s reliance on external pods may introduce logistical considerations.
Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite
Saab’s Gripen E/F boasts a fully integrated internal digital EW suite, designed to detect, identify, and counteract various threats autonomously. The F-16 Block 70/72 is equipped with the AN/ALQ-213 EW management system, which can be augmented with optional external pods for enhanced capabilities. The inherent integration of EW systems in the Gripen reduces the need for additional equipment, potentially lowering the aircraft’s radar cross-section and maintenance requirements.
Sensor Fusion and Cockpit Design
The Gripen E/F employs advanced real-time sensor fusion, amalgamating data from multiple sources to present a coherent operational picture to the pilot. Its cockpit features a wide-area touchscreen display with a customizable interface, facilitating intuitive control and rapid decision-making. The F-16 Block 70/72 has an upgraded glass cockpit that retains elements of its legacy architecture, offering enhanced functionality while maintaining familiarity for pilots transitioning from earlier models.
Advantage: The Gripen E/F holds an edge in sensor fusion, IRST capability, and native EW integration, providing pilots with a comprehensive and intuitive situational awareness framework.
Weapons & Multirole Capability
Payload Capacity
Both the Gripen E/F and F-16 Block 70/72 can carry mixed ordnance loads ranging from approximately 5,300 to 7,700 kilograms, enabling them to perform various mission profiles effectively.
Air-to-Air Armaments
The Gripen E/F is compatible with the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), known for its extended range and networked data link capabilities. It also supports the IRIS-T and AIM-120 missiles. The F-16 Block 70/72 primarily employs the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles, both widely used within NATO forces.
Air-to-Ground Munitions
For ground attack missions, the Gripen E/F can deploy the Taurus KEPD 350 standoff cruise missile and RBS-15 anti-ship missile, alongside precision-guided munitions like JDAM and Paveway. The F-16 Block 70/72 has access to a broad array of U.S. and NATO munitions, including JDAM, Paveway, and AGM-88 HARM missiles.
Internal Cannon
The Gripen E/F is equipped with a 27mm Mauser BK-27 cannon, offering effective air-to-air and air-to-ground engagement capabilities. The F-16 Block 70/72 houses a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon, renowned for its high rate of fire.
Advantage: While the F-16 Block 70/72 boasts broader compatibility with U.S. and NATO munitions, the Gripen E/F’s integration of the Meteor missile and long-range standoff weapons like the Taurus KEPD 350 provides a qualitative edge in certain combat scenarios.
Performance & Flight Characteristics
Maximum Speed
Both aircraft achieve speeds up to Mach 2.0, allowing rapid response and engagement across various mission profiles.
Range and Combat Radius
The F-16 Block 70/72 has a ferry range of approximately 4,200 kilometers, slightly surpassing the Gripen E/F’s range of around 4,000 kilometers. Both fighters share a combat radius exceeding 1,500 kilometers, depending on mission parameters and payload configurations.
Thrust and Agility
The F-16 Block 70/72 is powered by engines producing up to 29,000 pounds of thrust (GE F110 or PW229), contributing to its high thrust-to-weight ratio and agility. The Gripen E/F utilizes the GE F414G engine, delivering 22,000 pounds of thrust. However, its canard-delta wing design enhances maneuverability and energy management, allowing for high angle-of-attack performance and short takeoff capabilities.
Advantage: Both aircraft exhibit exceptional performance metrics. The Gripen’s aerodynamic design offers superior energy management and operational flexibility from shorter runways, while the F-16’s higher thrust provides robust agility and acceleration.
Logistics, Maintenance & Lifecycle Cost
Operating Cost per Hour
The Gripen E/F has an estimated operating cost of $6,000 to $7,000 per flight hour, whereas the F-16 Block 70/72’s costs range from $10,000 to $12,000 per hour. These figures reflect differences in maintenance requirements, fuel consumption, and support infrastructure.
Maintenance Philosophy
Saab designed the Gripen E/F for rapid turnarounds with minimal ground crew, emphasizing ease of maintenance and high sortie rates. The F-16 Block 70/72 benefits from a mature global supply chain but entails higher support costs due to its complexity and extensive systems.
