Europe

Saab unveils new version of Gripen fighter jet

Associated Press
Published | Updated

The new E version of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen multi role fighter being rolled out at SAAB in Linkoping, Sweden, Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Swedish aircraft maker Saab has unveiled the latest version of its Gripen fighter jet. The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. The first test flight is expected later this year. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUT (The Associated Press)

The new E version of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen multi role fighter being rolled out at SAAB in Linkoping, Sweden, Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Swedish aircraft maker Saab has unveiled the latest version of its Gripen fighter jet. The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. The first test flight is expected later this year. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUT (The Associated Press)

The new E version of the Swedish JAS 39 Gripen multi role fighter being rolled out at SAAB in Linkoping, Sweden, Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Swedish aircraft maker Saab has unveiled the latest version of its Gripen fighter jet. The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. The first test flight is expected later this year. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUT (The Associated Press)

Swedish aircraft maker Saab has unveiled the latest version of its Gripen fighter jet.

About 500 people, including Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist and Brazilian air force commander Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, watched the rollout of the new Gripen E on Wednesday in Linkoping, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) southeast of Stockholm.

The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. The first test flight is expected later this year.

Brazil has ordered 36 Gripen fighters for delivery between 2019 and 2024. Earlier versions of the plane are in service in the air forces of Sweden, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary and Thailand.