New Swedish rapid-reaction fighter unit puts JAS 39 Gripen to international test

Published: Nov 09, 2005
Source: www.janes.com



The Saab JAS 39A Gripen-equipped Swedish Air Force rapid-reaction (SWAFRAP) fighter unit is on a steep learning curve to become fully proficient in taking part in international peace-support operations. The next major challenge is the transition to the new, NATO-compatible JAS 39C/D Gripen model, on which the SWAFRAP is to become operational by 1 January 2008.

The SWAFRAP role stipulates that a squadron-sized fighter unit has to be able to deploy overseas for an international crisis-response operation within 30 days. The mission has been allocated to the Gripen-equipped 2nd Squadron, F17 Wing at Ronneby Air Base on Sweden's southern coast since 1 January 2004.

The unit will continue as the SWAFRAP through 2007, at the end of which the role will be handed over to a squadron of the F21 Wing at Luleå-Kallax Air Base in northern Sweden. By then, the squadron will be equipped with the latest JAS 39C/D Gripen model, which is supposed to be much more compatible and interoperable with NATO concepts of operation than the A model.continue..