Rafale vs Gripen: Sweden returns with massive offer to India – how the two jets compare | World News

New Delhi/Stockholm: As India and France prepare to finalize the deal for additional Rafale fighter jets, Sweden’s defense company Saab has started pushing once again to sell the Gripen E to New Delhi. It was emphasized that Gripen is one of the most modern and cost-effective warplanes in the world. It features advanced sensor fusion, networked operations, and rapidly growing artificial intelligence capabilities.

The proposal also promises technology transfer that would allow India to integrate its own weapons and software without outside approval.

Despite the new offer, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is unlikely to move away from Rafale. However, it is important to understand the capabilities of both jets. When the two are compared, the Rafale F4 model stands out with its dual-engine configuration, 14 hardware points and a payload capacity of 9,500 kilograms. Its top speed reaches Mach 1.8 and it carries the advanced SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, giving it strong situational awareness and jamming capabilities. Rafale can operate from air bases as well as aircraft carriers and can also carry nuclear weapons when necessary.

Gripen E has a single engine, 10 connection points and a payload capacity of 7,200 kilograms. Its top speed reaches Mach 2.0 and carries the Arexis electronic warfare suite. Designed to take off from traditional air bases as well as highways, the aircraft offers operational flexibility in disruption scenarios. Modular software architecture allows rapid updates without the need for full system recertification. Maintenance is simpler and requires less crew, keeping operating costs lower.

Operational cost differences are also important. While the Gripen flight costs between $4,000 and $10,000 per hour, the Rafale flight costs over $14,000 per hour. These low costs and technology transfer flexibility have attracted countries such as Brazil to Gripen. However, Rafale is unique for deep strike operations and carrier-based missions.

Former Indian Air Force pilot Vijyendra Thakur says the IAF chose the Rafale because it is a proven platform with an established ecosystem in India. It was extensively trialled under the Multi-Purpose Combat Aircraft programme, where multiple competitors were evaluated before selecting the Rafale.

India is now set to finalize an inter-governmental deal for 114 Rafale jets worth around Rs 3.25 lakh crore ($36-38 billion). The Defense Acquisition Council, chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to approve the Recognition of Necessity of this agreement soon. Purchase includes F4 and F5 variants.

Experts emphasize that although the Gripen offers affordability and flexibility, India still benefits from consolidating its fleet around the Rafale. Former Air Marshal M. Matheshwaran, who worked on the MMRCA project, suggests that India should look for a risk-sharing partner for future projects such as AMCA and LCA Mk2 development.

Saab and similar companies could potentially play this role by providing additional strategic options for India’s domestic warfare programmes.