Gripen NG Demo - Demonstrated Deadliness
Picture by: Aldo Bidini - Gallery page
Picture credits
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6905147Photo https://cdn.jetphotos.com/full/2/28050_1280559795.jpg, GFDL 1.2, File:Saab JAS-39NG Gripen, Saab JP6905147.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
After the Cold War, Sweden drastically reduced its quantity of armed forces, which in turn sharply shrank the air force, both in terms of units and aircraft types. By the 2000s, the Swedish Air Force operated the Gripen A/B, later joined by the Gripen C/D - modern aircraft, yet with clear limitations when it came to long-term growth and adaptability.
Meanwhile, sensors, electronic warfare, and new aircraft- and missile programs were advancing at a rapid pace. NATO in the west, becoming more of a partner than ever before, was moving decisively toward network-centric warfare, while potential adversaries in the east were quietly rearming and modernizing their forces.
This created a pressing need for a new aircraft, or at the very least, a significant modernization of existing models. Foreign designs were considered, but in the end, it was decided that the Gripen would be the platform to evolve. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), together with the Armed Forces, launched concept and feasibility studies to chart the path forward.
It was ultimately decided that the Gripen would remain in service at least until 2040, sustained through upgrades to the C/D versions and, more crucially, through the introduction of a completely new plane - the Gripen E.
In 2006, Saab began a program to develop a demonstrator for the future of the Gripen platform, backed by the Swedish Parliament (rskr. 2006/07:222). This initiative, later named the Gripen Demo or Gripen NG Demo, produced a single demonstrator aircraft: a heavily modified Gripen D, converted from a Gripen B and registered as ‘39-7’.
By 2012, the Budget Bill for 2013, Expenditure Area 6: Defense and Civil Contingencies, officially recognized the Gripen Demo as sufficiently capable to serve as the foundation for the next-generation Gripen, paving the way for the Gripen E.
Gripen Demo first took to the skies on 27 May 2008, showcasing a new F414-GE-39E engine, upgraded avionics, extended range, and an AESA radar paired with an IRST sensor. The aircraft then underwent a rigorous testing program, which included the dramatic demonstration of supercruise in 2009 at low altitude, marking a key milestone in Sweden’s air power evolution.
Photo Credits
By Stefan Sundkvist - https://www.flickr.com/photos/stefansundkvist/4697229625/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, File:Saab JAS 39 Gripen NG.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
The Gripen Demo was initially a Gripen B (early two-seater) that was later upgraded to a Gripen D (late two-seater).
- Better engine RM12 → RM16
- Higher thrust 81 kN → 98 kN - FAB (23% Thrust increase)
- Supercruise possible: Mach 1.1
- Better range (4070 km)
- Thrust to Weigh Ratio: Positive: ~1-1.2 possibly better than the standard Gripen E at ~1.05
- More robust airframe
- Better EW suite
- Better radar: AESA ES-05 Raven (AESA-version of PS-05/A MK4)
- 3 500 new parts
- New avionics and cockpit systems
- Missile Approach Warning System - MAWS
- Infrared Search and Track
- Increased maximum take-off weight: 16 000 kg
- 40% Greater internal fuel load
- New landing gear housed in wing roots, like the Gripen E
- Old nose gear setup: twin wheel setup, with brakes, unlike the Gripen E
- Two more pylons on belly: Terma heavy stores pylons
- False Canopy
- Demonstrator livery
- 7 000 kg empty weight - 200 kg heavier than standard versions of the Gripen D
- No cannon, since it’s based on the Gripen B/D
Fun facts:
-
The Gripen E was officially expected to be built more or less directly from the Gripen Demo, that is essentially a Gripen C/D airframe with additional electronics and a higher payload capacity. Therefore, in order to present the Gripen E programme as affordable as possible, Saab deliberately maintained these expectations and avoided clearly stating how extensively the airframe would actually differ. This ambiguity allowed Saab to develop an entirely new aircraft, one that could just as well have been designated JEAS 40 “Super Gripen” rather than Gripen E.
A deliberate and highly effective PR strategy by Saab that allowed Sweden to continue flying Swedish made, next gen aircraft. However, this “policy” was later changed to officially allow for new airframes rather than so-called “upgrades”. -
NG stands for “Nästa Generation” - Next Generation, which was the original name for the Gripen E programme.
Armament
| Saab 39 Gripen NG Demo | |
|---|---|
| Engine type: | RM 16 - TtWR ≈ 1:1-1,2 |
| Weight (Empty Weight): | 7000 Kilograms |
| Max Weight: | 16 000 Kilograms |
| Length: | 14,8 meters |
| Width: | 8,4 meters |
| Height: | 4,5 meters |
| Crew: | 2 (pilot and co-pilot/systems tester) |
| Climb rate: | ~250 m/s |
| Max Speed: | 2 240 Km/h |
| Service ceiling (Max height): | 15 000 meters |
| Thrust (Dry): | 62 kN |
| Thrust (With Afterburner): | 98 kN |
| Max Range: | 4070 km (ferry range) |
| Pylons/Hardpoints: | 10: (4 wing-mounted, 3 belly-mounted, 2 wing tips (JAS 39D Standard: capable of carrying a targeting pod (Litening) |
| Armament (Offensive): | None |
| Possible Armament (Air to Air): | 6 × AIM-9s, ASRAAM, IRS-T, Python, A-Darter |
| Possible BVR armament: | 7 × AMRAAM, Meteor, Derby, R-Darter (possibly more (13-14 missiles incl. wing tips) through twin-racks, but not a part of this suggestion.) |
| Armament (Air to Ground/surface etc): | 24 × 250 kg General purpose dumb bombs, Paveways, Lizards, Bombkapsel 90 Mjölner, Taurus, Spice, Brimstones, AGM 65/154, RBS-15 (multiple versions) |
| Countermeasures: | Maximum (+BOL): 720 × |
| Number flyable built: | Total: 1 (at least 1 more unflyable) |
By Herranderssvensson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, File:Malmen2016 6 - Gripen Demo.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Gripen Demo at Malmen - Linköping, Sweden - Note the IRST!
By Ronnie Macdonald from Chelmsford, United Kingdom - SAAB JAS 39C Gripen, CC BY 2.0, File:SAAB JAS 39C Gripen 7 (7570389616).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
By G4ng3r - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, File:Saab Gripen NG cabina.png - Wikimedia Commons
By Alan Wilson - 6 Gripen line-up at Malmen 2012, CC BY-SA 2.0, File:6 Gripen line-up at Malmen 2012 (8352324497).jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Gripen Demo at Malmen - Linköping, Sweden - Note the MAWS sensor in front of the air brake
The Gripen NG Demo represents a genuine evolutionary step between the JAS 39C and the JAS 39E, not a paper concept or speculative upgrade, but a real, flying aircraft that demonstrated many of the systems and performance characteristics later adopted by the Gripen E.
In gameplay terms, the Gripen Demo would offer a distinctly different experience compared to both the Gripen C and E. It combines higher thrust and better acceleration than the C, while remaining lighter and more agile than the E. This makes it a perfect high-performance multirole demonstrator, excelling in energy retention, climb rate, and sustained supersonic flight, including demonstrated supercruise.
Survivability would also be a clear improvement over the Gripen C. The two-seat configuration allows for increased chances of survival, while the inclusion of a MAWS, advanced EW suite (future proof, if EW gets added), and a high quantity of countermeasures significantly increases its defensive capabilities in top tier, compared to other planes at the BR.
Unlike the Gripen E, which represents a full, yet early production standard aircraft, the Gripen Demo offers a more experimental and aggressive, unrefined configuration. Its higher thrust-to-weight ratio, compact airframe, and extensive sensor suite make it ideal as a transitional top-tier aircraft, without immediately pushing Sweden to the absolute cutting edge of current-generation fighters.
From a balance perspective, the Gripen NG Demo is less well suited to War Thunder, compared to the A, C and E. Its lack of an internal cannon naturally limits its close-range lethality, forcing players to rely on missiles and positioning, rather than pure gunfighting. At the same time, every War Thunder player at top tier knows that gun kills are pretty rare compared to missiles. On the other hand, it’s better to have a cannon, than to not have one.
Gun problem
The gun problem could technically be solved by giving it the gun pods of the Viggens and the Saab 105s. The problem is that the Gripen has (probably) never carried these pods IRL, even though it’s most likely capable of it. Therefore, the gun pods are not officially a part of this suggestion, unless proof is to be found. If you have personal proof that is not classified, please share it in the comments or to me directly!
Historically, the aircraft is also highly valuable. The Gripen Demo was not merely a testbed, but the technological, economical and political bridge that allowed Sweden to retain an independent fighter program. Including it in War Thunder would highlight a rarely represented but extremely important phase of modern aircraft development, where demonstrators directly shaped operational fighters.
Trainers already exist in War Thunder. Most of them are really capable and fun to play too. For example: T-2, Saab 105G, Sk 60B, Alpha jet, L-39 etc…
It is unique, capable and fits the meta. Adding this demonstrator would be a key part of the Swedish air legacy in War Thunder. It’s the earliest back bone of the Gripen E production. Additionally, there are other demonstrators, already in game: the Saab 105G and the TTD are two examples.
The Gripen NG Demo does have the potential of becoming a premium. However, adding it as a premium would hurt the Swedish win-rate at top tier, while also making new players learn missile spamming, before the actual core gameplay. But that could be said about every top tier premium. Additionally, it doesn’t have a gun. The best solution, if Gaijin really wants this specific plane to be a premium, would be to add two aircraft. One “late” and one “early”, with the early one having less features, but a lower BR - ideal for a premium version.
The ultimate BR would be something between the Gripen C (13.7) and the Gripen E (14.0). The problem is that the war thunder BR system doesn’t allow for that. The BR could technically be at 14.0, if a decompression allows for it. I.e the Gripen E is moved to 14.3 and the top tier max BR generally to 14.7.
These speculations and answers to the “questions” are not part of the suggestion itself, but rather a speculation of what we could expect and why, in case of the addition.
You get to decide, but I recommend the 1st option, since it alines with earlier entries, like the Rafale M and the Viggens, which are in two lines.
Where should it get added?
- 1: Below F-16AM (like Rafale M, wouldn’t add more grind, yet)
- 2: In folder - JAS 39C
- 3: Between JAS 39C and E
- No/Don’t care
As what, if premium?
- 4: Early premium along with a late TT-version
- 5: Normal (late) premium - Only premium, no TT
- 6: Not at all as a premium
- 7: Late TT and late premium - Like JA 37Di
- Other/No/Don’t care
Do you want the Gripen NG Demo in War Thunder?
- Yes!
- No.
Sources
Text sources:
Saab 39 Gripen – Wikipedia
Google Search
Model behavior | Aerospace Testing International
https://defense-update.com/20081209_gripen.html
Budgetproposition för 2013 Utgiftsområde 6: Försvar och samhällets krisberedskap (Proposition 2012/13:1) | Sveriges riksdag
Saab 39 Gripen E/F – Wikipedia
DWS 39 – Wikipedia
https://defense-update.com/20081209_gripen.html
Saab's Demo aircraft to highlight Gripen NG capabilities | News | Flight Global
https://www.corren.se/nyheter/linkoping/artikel/nya-gripen-flog-over-linkoping/lqg87mpr
Unmanned Saab ''Neuron'' and Saab ''Gripen'' (39-7) in fo… | Flickr
Saab.se
Flygvapenmuseum
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People:
Jussi Halmetoja - Test pilot and Senior Operations Advisor - At Saab (YT “Interview”+Video)
Jonas Wikman - Major General and Commander Swedish Air Force (Interview SVT)
Max Villman - ex JAS 39 fighter pilot and Modern wartime and aviation expert (YT “Interview”, host)
Videos:
SVT: Flygvapnet tog emot nya JAS 39 Gripen E på Skaraborgs flygflottilj F7 | SVT Nyheter
YT Interview and video: https://youtu.be/Drw_cXC0cEE
https://youtu.be/hH3eLynYat4?t=425
7:05