Saab Offers Gripen E with 7 Meteor Missiles for India's MRFA Competition, Promising Strategic Edge for IAF

In the hotly contested race to supply India's Air Force with 114 new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA), Saab has presented a compelling offer: the Gripen E fighter jet equipped with the capability to carry up to seven Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM) simultaneously. This, Saab asserts, will provide the IAF with a decisive tactical advantage in aerial combat.

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is considered one of the most advanced BVRAAMs currently available. Its active radar seeker and ramjet propulsion provide exceptional range and maneuverability, allowing it to engage high-speed, maneuvering targets with high accuracy.

Crucially, the Meteor boasts the largest "no-escape zone" of any missile in its class, making it extremely difficult for adversaries to evade once locked on.

Saab emphasizes that the Gripen E is specifically designed to integrate seamlessly with advanced weaponry like the Meteor. The fighter jet's avionics, weapon control systems, and data links are optimized for compatibility with the missile's guidance and propulsion systems.

Furthermore, the Gripen E features cutting-edge AESA radar and electronic warfare systems, enhancing its ability to detect, track, and engage distant targets.

The ability to carry seven Meteor missiles is a key selling point for Saab. This unprecedented loadout would allow IAF pilots to engage multiple targets in a single sortie, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for frequent rearming. This capability could be particularly valuable in scenarios requiring the IAF to secure large airspaces or counter multiple airborne threats rapidly.

The MRFA competition is a critical defence procurement program for India, aimed at modernizing the IAF's fighter fleet and maintaining its technological edge. The Gripen E faces stiff competition from other contenders, including Dassault's Rafale, Boeing's F-15EX and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin's F-21, and Russia's MiG-35.

Potential Tactical Advantages for the IAF​

• Reduced Mission Turnaround Time: The Gripen E's extended engagement capacity allows for a higher sortie generation rate, crucial in prolonged conflicts.
• Extended Engagement Capability: With seven BVRAAMs, the Gripen E can neutralize multiple airborne threats in a single sortie, enhancing mission effectiveness.
• Force Multiplier Effect: The ability to engage multiple targets with a single aircraft increases efficiency and reduces the number of aircraft required for patrol and interception duties.
• Enhanced Situational Awareness: The combination of the Gripen E's advanced sensors and the Meteor's long range enhances the IAF's ability to detect and intercept threats before they enter Indian airspace.

 

[basil1891]

Imho, to gain at least some chances in India, Gripen have first to be tested/proven in Ukraine battlefield. It's worth by itself, but doing so against Su-35S/Su-57 should reinforce the statement. Sadly, very little chance for it to happen soon - obsolete F-16/Mirage will come first and Gripen 39C, only maybe, later..

 

[P2S2]

Imho, to gain at least some chances in India, Gripen have first to be tested/proven in Ukraine battlefield. It's worth by itself, but doing so against Su-35S/Su-57 should reinforce the statement. Sadly, very little chance for it to happen soon - obsolete F-16/Mirage will come first and Gripen 39C, only maybe, later..

Another friend to scratch the back for. It will become an asset quickly. To be able to buy technology the easy way is God's way but start upgrading it before it gets delivered. Backwardness lags far behind

 

[rsln]

India actually needs 200 MRFA so it should go in for 100 Gripen double seater fighters with total TOT/make in India & also 100 SU 57 aircraft to make it a potent force.

 

[sanket]

Meteor actually exceeds 150 kM, Gripen short comings Combat Radius & US Engine & some Foreign compnents

 

[Satya Dev]

With multiple ejector racks our TejasMk2 can carry even more Astr Mk2 & Mk3 missiles.

 

[bonito]

Given the situation of home grown fighters anything is better.

 

[Ray]

Meteor actually exceeds 150 kM, Gripen short comings Combat Radius & US Engine & some Foreign compnents

Saab has no chance in MMRCA. IAF would never select a single engine aircraft in MMRCA whilst they can select a more capable twin engine. They are trying uselessly. IAF is eyeing Tejas mk2 for single engine aircrafts.
Saab had a bright chance in p-75i but they left the compitition.

 

[ramdas]

Does not add value or significance to IAF or the nation geopolitically. Future variants of Tejas will do this job with locally produced astra missiles.

 

[Saptarshi Dasgupta]

We Indians have bashed Gripen E for long. Delays in Tejas MK1a and Tejas MK2 and delayed MRFA and AMCA have taught us one thing - barring Mig-35, any decent 4.5 gen fighter at this stage at 114 number is good. Something is better than nothing. At least a very good swashplate AESA is there in Gripen E, Sweshish have developed GAN technology for jammers and AESA, cockpit is AI powered wide area display cockpit, it fires Meteor ASRAAM Iris R and Sweden will share source code to integrate Indian weapons and yes GE F414 comes with TOT. Swedish order book is not high. Just Thai, Brazil and Swedish deal of around 100 jets and they plan to manufacture 24 per year in Indian factory. Also one Gripen E comes at 85 million flyaway cost and if total weapons spares training maintenance is included it will be around 150-170 million max. What else do you want guys? And yes it won’t cannibalise Tejas MK1A or MK2. Still lot of room for that.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Saab has no chance in MMRCA. IAF would never select a single engine aircraft in MMRCA whilst they can select a more capable twin engine. They are trying uselessly. IAF is eyeing Tejas mk2 for single engine aircrafts.
Saab had a bright chance in p-75i but they left the compitition.

IAF may not want a single engined fighter but India may not be able to fund the procurement of 100+ twin engined fighters.

 

[Akshat]

Gripen E comes at 85 million flyaway cost and if total weapons spares training maintenance is included it will be around 150-170 million max.

The cost of Gripen for Brazil exceeded 250 million dollars per unit. That is more expensive than even Rafale bro.

 

[P2S2]

India actually needs 200 MRFA so it should go in for 100 Gripen double seater fighters with total TOT/make in India & also 100 SU 57 aircraft to make it a potent force.

Whatever the affordable numbers gaining partnerships is more important in leap frogging the lags.

 

[sanket]

Saab has no chance in MMRCA. IAF would never select a single engine aircraft in MMRCA whilst they can select a more capable twin engine. They are trying uselessly. IAF is eyeing Tejas mk2 for single engine aircrafts.
Saab had a bright chance in p-75i but they left the compitition.

3 US Fighter jets & 2 From European Fighter jets are Just to put pressure & get Best MRFA Deal & Local Assembly Line with Local Pvt players (with Eco-system/ToT/Assistance in TEDBF/AMCA) From Dassault

 

[Himanshu]

I read somewhere that F-15 can carry 22 Aim-9 missiles, means 2 F-15 can wipe off entire squadron with 2 missile for 1 opponent.

However, the only plane other than Rafale may be Typhoon, unless by some miracle US choses to pitch F-35, because that plane gives serious advantage and when combined with other platforms, nobody at present can face such force.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

The cost of Gripen for Brazil exceeded 250 million dollars per unit. That is more expensive than even Rafale bro.

Really? I remember reading somewhere that the deal with Brazil was around 4.8 Billion dollars for 36 jets.

 

[Spectre]

We Indians have bashed Gripen E for long. Delays in Tejas MK1a and Tejas MK2 and delayed MRFA and AMCA have taught us one thing - barring Mig-35, any decent 4.5 gen fighter at this stage at 114 number is good. Something is better than nothing.

They also have 5th gen technology, they are currently making a 5th gen aircraft named Flygsystem 2020, we can Collaborate with them, engine commonality is the main thing.

 

[Kira]

Basically the Gripen-E is what the Tejas MK-2 ought to be in near future (hopefully).

 

[Shafted mohammed]

The lesson they are teaching is both versions of LCA must carry 7-8 missiles.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Gripen is a very capable machine but mk2, mk1A is in same light category with one engine although Gripen is way advanced. Doesn't make sense for Gripen I feel. Rafales or Typhoons I say whichever is cheaper and how soon we can get them.

 

[basil1891]

3 US Fighter jets & 2 From European Fighter jets are Just to put pressure & get Best MRFA Deal & Local Assembly Line with Local Pvt players (with Eco-system/ToT/Assistance in TEDBF/AMCA) From Dassault

The thing about Dassault is ... you can barely press'm into something, they have plenty of orders and expect even more. The one who can be pressed on is Boeing with F-18E/F proposition. Saab too, but they already giving up all they can 🙂

 

[Akshat]

Really? I remember reading somewhere that the deal with Brazil was around 4.8 Billion dollars for 36 jets.

That was the base price. Brazilian auditors put the final amount paid by Brazilian government at 9.1 billion USD.

 

[PKPRS]

Meteor actually exceeds 150 kM, Gripen short comings Combat Radius & US Engine & some Foreign compnents

That is enough for Pakistan, we need 2000 jets for China which is impossible, we can't fight against China.with 114 MRFA jets and 36 Rafale’s..

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

That was the base price. Brazilian auditors put the final amount paid by Brazilian government at 9.1 billion USD.

I feel India missed the bus on the Rafale. The deal with India opened the doors for Dassault, it now has a hugh order backlog.

 

[GMR]

Gripen is a very capable machine but mk2, mk1A is in same light category with one engine although Gripen is way advanced. Doesn't make sense for Gripen I feel. Rafales or Typhoons I say whichever is cheaper and how soon we can get them.

With full orderbooks, Rafale & Typhoon, both will be available way past 2030, IF agreement is signed max by next yr.. No logic in receiving 4.5 gen jets in around 2035... only Gripen is promising delivery in 3 yrs.. so ...

 

[Phantom]

3 US Fighter jets & 2 From European Fighter jets are Just to put pressure & get Best MRFA Deal & Local Assembly Line with Local Pvt players (with Eco-system/ToT/Assistance in TEDBF/AMCA) From Dassault

5 European jets. SU-35, MIG-35, EF Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale, but France doesn’t have a 5th gen jet, how would they assist, at-least Russia can assist.

 

[Akshat]

I feel India missed the bus on the Rafale. The deal with India opened the doors for Dassault, it now has a hugh order backlog.

Not huge enough. There is still enough surplus capacity.

 

[Renu Sri]

It makes sense to procure Gripen E

• Commonality with Tejas enginesLower operational cost. We should consider long-term operational costs (30-40 years) in addition to procurement costs.Commonality with Rafale weapons
• No order book issues like Rafale
• Prioritize procuring a larger number of good fighters over a smaller number of excellent fighters

Though Sweden being a political light weight is an issue, the cost savings from procuring Gripen E can be used to buy a smaller number of advanced fighters like 36 more Rafale or F-35 in the future.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Not huge enough. There is still enough surplus capacity.

Even if they can produce 4 jets a year like their CEO has claimed, which is unlikely, it will take about 6-7 years to complete their current orders. Ofcourse India can easily take another 6-7 years to decide so....

 

[vivek manjeshwar]

IAF may not want a single engined fighter but India may not be able to fund the procurement of 100+ twin engined fighters.

Win win option will be India buying Rafel 4R assembled in India may be 54 and 26 Rafel M assembled India. Hope it will materialise. Only then we can think of Rafel 5R if there is a need