Defence and security company Saab presents a new variant of Gripen, Gripen Aggressor. Unveiled as a full-scale replica at the DSEI exhibition in London on 12 September. Saab is pitching a dedicated ‘Aggressor’ variant of its Gripen C fighter aircraft for the upcoming UK and US pilot training requirements. The Gripen Aggressor has been tailored for pilot training role, and that the UK Air Support to Defence Operational Training (ASDOT) and the US Adversarial Air (AdAir) requirements, namely in the UK for ASDOT and in the US for AdAir. Gripen Aggressor is based on the proven Gripen C-series and is the ultimate platform for the adversary air combat training market. The Gripen Aggressor has had its offensive weapons capability (including the internal cannon) removed. While it is currently modelled on the single-seat Gripen C, Smith noted that a twin-seat Gripen D version could be offered if a customer requested it.
The Gripen Aggressor is a new member of the Gripen family that comprises the Gripen E series [made up of the E, F, and M models] and the Gripen C series that also includes the D model. There is potential in the air combat training sector [for this aircraft] as the current legacy aircraft being used for air combat training do not match up to the technologies of modern fighter aircraft
Key adaptations would include replacing the fighter’s live weapons with a simulation-based capability to fire air-to-air missiles, and fitting a dummy structure in place of its current cannon. The aircraft would also gain Saab’s PS-05 Mk IV radar and an air combat manoeuvring instrumentation pod, while retaining its intra-Gripen fighter link and Link 16 functionality.
