Gripen-E Can Complement Tejas Mk2 in IAF Fleet due to Similarities in Systems, Engine, and MTOW, Affirms Saab Amidst MRFA Tender

Saab India has asserted that the Gripen-E fighter jet can effectively complement India's indigenous Tejas Mk2 within the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet. This statement comes amidst the ongoing Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender for 110 jets, where Saab is positioning the Gripen-E as a strong contender.

While some defence analysts argue that acquiring the Gripen-E might lead to unnecessary duplication, Saab emphasizes the potential synergies between the two aircraft.

Both the Gripen-E and Tejas Mk2 belong to the same weight class, with the Gripen-E having a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 16.5 tons and the Tejas Mk2 slightly higher at 17.5 tons.

This similarity has fueled debate about the strategic necessity of procuring the Gripen-E when India is actively developing the Tejas Mk2, which offers marginally better range, endurance, and weapons-carrying capacity.

However, a Saab India official highlighted several advantages of having both aircraft in the IAF fleet. Firstly, both aircraft utilize the same F-414 engine, leading to significant benefits in logistics, maintenance, and training. This commonality could streamline operations, reduce costs, and simplify supply chain management for the IAF.

Secondly, the Gripen-E's modular software architecture allows for seamless integration with various weapons systems. This aligns with the Tejas Mk2's capabilities, ensuring both aircraft can operate with similar armaments and enhancing interoperability.

This compatibility would allow both types of jets to operate from the same airbase without requiring specialized infrastructure for each, offering a significant operational advantage.

Saab's argument focuses on strategic synergy rather than competition between the two platforms. By integrating the Gripen-E, India could leverage Saab's advanced combat systems technology and extensive combat experience, complementing the ongoing development of the Tejas Mk2. This approach could provide India with a diverse yet compatible fighter fleet capable of addressing various combat scenarios.

Despite these arguments, defence analysts remain divided. Some see potential benefits in technology transfer, immediate operational capability enhancement, and reduced logistical complexity.

Others argue that investing in the Gripen-E might not be the most cost-effective strategy when India is already committed to scaling up Tejas Mk2 production and development.

As the MRFA tender progresses, the debate over fleet composition will likely intensify. The decision will hinge on balancing indigenous capabilities, immediate combat readiness, and long-term strategic and financial investments.

Saab's proposal for the Gripen-E, emphasizing coexistence and synergy with the Tejas Mk2, offers a compelling case for how international partnerships can support national defence ambitions without undermining local development efforts.

 

[Preet]

And I am sure you have no sources to show us that indeed it was cost and not the capabilities which caused India to back away, right? Because it was officially stated, by both India and Russia, that the detailed work share agreement was already finalized, which is usually done after or along with price negotiations. Not to mention, India specifically said that Su 57 doesn't meet it's requirements.

As for Ukraine, Russia still couldn't manage to defeat a puny Ukraine despite Put!n's promise that they will take it in a week.

So indeed, know before you spread your agenda.

Well we will see when we see. Face right now is that you are the fool as Russia has cut down 70% of the orders. Why are all the Russian fanboys always speaking of the future? Because you can claim anything in the future and don't have to give the proof, right?

China can't buy F35 or F22. They can buy Su 57. But they refuse to. So why is that, I wonder?

And you made all those claims while I gave an actual proof that Su57 is a junk. No one is ready to buy it. Literally, not even Russia. China doesn't care about sanctions. India doesn't. Russia doesn't. So clearly, sanctions ain't the issue. No one just wanna buy it because it's a junk plane.

It didn't meet requirements, yes, and the requirements of the IAF were a twin-seat variant and full TOT. And why would China buy the Su-57 when they already have the J-20? Stupid arguments. And I'm not a Russian fanboy. I just want India to buy a good plane and not that stupidly expensive Rafale in the 2030s.😅

And you gave no proof of the Su-57 being junk. All you said was a 70% order cancellation when it's already official that Russia wants it with the AL-41. But you are too stubborn and closed-minded to understand any opinion contrary to yours! You deny plain simple facts. They have been at war for three years, been under severe sanctions for ten years, and are cash-strapped. Still, they made 12 Su-57s in 2023 and had planned 20 in 2024, but the numbers produced are unknown in 2024 (we saw 3 new ones in December 2024, though).

It's production-ready. They have the capacity to build 24 Su-57s per year, so even at a low production rate and with low orders, it's better than your Rafales. And Russia has done this for decades. They start with low numbers and then build capacity. Now, if you are devoid of basic facts but too high-headed to learn about them, then alas, I can't do much. 🙏

 

[Akshat]

It didn't meet requirements, yes, and the requirements of the IAF were a twin-seat variant and full TOT. And why would China buy the Su-57 when they already have the J-20? Stupid arguments. And I'm not a Russian fanboy. I just want India to buy a good plane and not that stupidly expensive Rafale in the 2030s.😅

And you gave no proof of the Su-57 being junk. All you said was a 70% order cancellation when it's already official that Russia wants it with the AL-41. But you are too stubborn and closed-minded to understand any opinion contrary to yours! You deny plain simple facts. They have been at war for three years, been under severe sanctions for ten years, and are cash-strapped. Still, they made 12 Su-57s in 2023 and had planned 20 in 2024, but the numbers produced are unknown in 2024 (we saw 3 new ones in December 2024, though).

It's production-ready. They have the capacity to build 24 Su-57s per year, so even at a low production rate and with low orders, it's better than your Rafales. And Russia has done this for decades. They start with low numbers and then build capacity. Now, if you are devoid of basic facts but too high-headed to learn about them, then alas, I can't do much. 🙏

If Su57 is as good as you say, they would at least buy a few units and check it out. Stupid argument.

India and Russia agreed on work share. That includes ToT and what sort of plane it would be, idiot. So just twin seater variant and ToT weren't the causes.

You are but a Russian and DRDO communist fanboy. Your comments betray your lies.

Well if no one wants to buy a plane and IAF openly says that it doesn't meet their requirements, what else will you call it but junk? Or India's official statement isn't trustworthy for you?

They cancelled the orders before the war even started, and ordered more Su 35. So we can all see who is stubborn and close minded (narrow minded is more accurate, imho).

Indeed, it's production ready, they have the capacity but they are not ordering it. What does that mean? That no one wants it. It is junk. You yourself just said it. It's ready but it's so bad that Russian airforce just doesn't want it.

 

[Sandeep]

Sooner or later (I think it's already happening), these countries won't take India seriously. These companies have better things to do than salivate for a potential Indian order. They have learned from the MMRCA fiasco.

No matter how difficult, complex or how long it will take no company will pass up an opportunity to make a lot of money. Even if they know that India isn’t going to buy their jets they have to participate as it advertises their jet and you can’t let your competition gain any advantage. Also you never know if they will decide to buy a jet and by not participating you lost to the competition to make billions.