First, we’ll look at the key aspects of each aircraft, and then at how these potential changes might affect the game in the future.
And since I haven’t seen many threads on this topic, I thought I’d bring this one up for discussion.
| Feature | Gripen C | Gripen E |
|---|---|---|
| Generation | 4th generation multirole fighter | 4.5 generation multirole fighter |
| Crew | Single-seat (C) or two-seat (D) | Single-seat |
| Length | ~14.1 m (46 ft) | ~15.2 m (50 ft) |
| Wingspan | 8.4 m (27.5 ft) | 8.6 m (28.2 ft) |
| Empty Weight | ~6,800 kg (15,000 lb) | ~8,000 kg (17,600 lb) |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | ~14,000 kg (30,900 lb) | ~16,500 kg (36,400 lb) |
| Engine | Volvo RM12 (GE F404 derivative) | General Electric F414G |
| Thrust | ~80 kN (18,000 lbf) | ~98 kN (22,000 lbf) |
| Maximum Speed | Mach 2 | Mach 2 |
| Range (Combat Radius) | ~800 km (500 mi) | ~1,300 km (810 mi) |
| Ferry Range | ~3,200 km (1,990 mi) with drop tanks | ~4,000 km (2,485 mi) with drop tanks |
| Service Ceiling | 15,240 m (50,000 ft) | 16,000 m (52,500 ft) |
| Hardpoints | 8 | 10 |
| Maximum Payload | ~5,300 kg (11,700 lb) | ~7,200 kg (15,900 lb) |
| Avionics | PS-05/A pulse-Doppler radar | Raven ES-05 AESA radar + Skyward-G IRST |
| Cockpit | Three multifunction displays (MFDs) | Wide Area Display (WAD), advanced HMI, modern HOTAS |
| Electronic Warfare | Basic EW suite | Advanced integrated EW and countermeasure system |
| Weapons | Air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-ship, guided bombs | Expanded weapon integration, including Meteor, IRIS-T, advanced guided bombs, cruise missiles |
| Operational Users | Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand | Sweden, Brazil (future operator) |
| Entry into Service | 2002 (C) | 2021 (E, with Sweden & Brazil) |
| (Some information may be wrong ) |
Of course, it would be a great evolution in general terms, such as, for example, greater capacity to carry missiles, and much more advanced avionics, such as automatic firing of countermeasures and electronic warfare, which we still don’t have in the Warthunder.
Now let’s discuss a little more about DogFight, so how about one more comparison?
| Aspect | Gripen C (current in game) | Gripen E (hypothetical) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Volvo RM12 (~80 kN) → good acceleration but limited at high speed | GE F414G (~98 kN) → much stronger acceleration and climb rate |
| Max Speed | Mach 2 | Mach 2 (reaches and sustains it faster) |
| Maneuverability | Lighter and more agile → excels in tight turns (dogfight) | Slightly less agile, but better thrust-to-weight ratio, good energy retention |
| Radar | PS-05/A Doppler radar → solid, medium-range BVR | Raven ES-05 AESA → longer range, multi-target tracking, better ECCM |
| Additional Sensors | Only radar | AESA radar + Skyward-G IRST (passive detection → stealth advantage in-game) |
| Air-to-Air Weapons | IRIS-T, AIM-9, AIM-120 AMRAAM | IRIS-T, more advanced AMRAAMs, possible Meteor (likely balanced for gameplay) |
| Payload Capacity | ~5.3 t | ~7.2 t (more hardpoints and weapon options) |
| Electronic Warfare | Basic RWR + countermeasures | Advanced EW suite, stronger flare/chaff defense |
| Role in-game | Excellent Gen 4 fighter → agile, competitive in dogfight and short-range BVR | High-tier meta jet → dominant in BVR, energy fighting, modern avionics |
Mini Simulation – Gripen C vs Gripen E
📡 Scenario 1: BVR (Beyond Visual Range)
- Gripen E detects first thanks to AESA radar (and could use IRST without emitting).
- Launches a longer-range AMRAAM (or Meteor if added to the game).
- Gripen C detects later and can also fire AMRAAMs, but with lower effective range.
- Likely outcome: Gripen E wins BVR due to superior sensors and missile reach.
✈️ Scenario 2: Dogfight (Within Visual Range)
- Gripen C uses its lighter frame and agility to turn tighter in close combat.
- Gripen E, while more powerful, has more inertia and is slightly less nimble in sustained turning fights.
- With modern IR missiles (IRIS-T), positioning matters a lot, but the C has the edge in pure turn fights.
- Likely outcome: Gripen C wins WVR dogfight if it can force close combat.
⚖️ Simulation Summary:
- BVR → Clear win for Gripen E (sensors, range, situational awareness).
- Dogfight → Possible win for Gripen C (lighter, tighter turns).
- In War Thunder’s meta:
- Gripen C = strong Gen 4 fighter for current tier.
- Gripen E = top-tier contender, balanced against jets like F-35, Su-57, J-20.
And now some questions I was thinking about, what missiles would it come with in the game? Possible buffs and nerfs? Speed in the game? What would be its maximum tolerance in curves? Would its technologies be adapted and brought to the game?
Anyway, that’s it. I don’t want to go on too much, especially since I’m at work and lazy. By the way, if a Gripen E comes along, I’d love a Brazil skin.