After Ukraine, Canada, and Brazil purchased 150, 72, and 56 Gripen EF fighter jets, respectively, the Indian Air Force finally woke up to the reality that the Russian-made Su-30MKI dud, which repeatedly failed during the Kashmir Skirmish, is no longer a viable option for a modern air force.
Based on reports as of April 2026, there are confirmed incidents involving Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft accidents, but the figure of 12 aircraft lost suggests a poor training and inadequate maintenance regime within the IAF. The Su-30MKI is one of the troubled aircraft of the Indian Air Force.
The Russian Air Force has already curtailed Su-57 patrol from the Ukraine’s border after Ukraine received Gripen C fighter jet armed with Meteor beyond visual range missile.
Swedish defence major Saab has confirmed it is in ongoing serious discussions with the Indian Air Force and the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) regarding a proposal to supply its advanced Gripen E fighter jets.
The development comes as New Delhi pushes to modernise its Air Force while simultaneously strengthening indigenous defence manufacturing under the Make in India initiative.
Saab says its offer goes beyond the supply of aircraft, promising extensive technology transfer, integration of artificial intelligence, and a comprehensive framework to design, maintain, and even upgrade the fighter jets on Indian soil.
The company says the first aircraft could be delivered within 3 years of contract signing. Saab describes the Gripen E as the most advanced fighter in its class. The Gripen E is a network-centric, single-engine, advanced multi-role fighter developed to counter and defeat advanced threats.
Gripen E is the only aircraft in the world that combines the capabilities of dedicated electronic warfare and electronic suppression and can be configured for multiple missions in just 10 minutes. In short, Gripen E is capable of performing two aircraft roles simultaneously compared to America’s premier EA-18G Growler and F-16V Block 70 fighter jet.
It has a Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned radar, considered the most advanced type of radar technology. The Gripen E series also has an infrared search-and-track system and highly advanced electronic warfare and secure communications systems.
The proposal highlights India’s push for defence self-reliance and comes amid growing defence cooperation between India and Sweden.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Sweden last month, Swedish Gripen fighters escorted his aircraft as it entered Swedish airspace, a symbolic display that highlighted Sweden’s defence capabilities.
Indian Air Force’s troubled Su-30MKI is plagued with engine, radar and flight control system malfunctions. India’s Uttam AESA radar and domestic engine technology fall short of Indian Air Force requirements, so the Hindustan Aeronautics Super Sukhoi project lacks funding, direction, and indigenous capability to deliver next-generation fighter jets.
The Indian Defence Acquisition Council understands the requirements and challenges, the culture of corruption, and the poor quality of Indian manufacturers, and has driven India to negotiate with Dassault Aviation to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets. India currently operates a mix of Russian- and French-made fighter jets for its Navy and air force.
“Using the state-of-the-art technology, Gripen E meets and defeats all existing and future threats, while simultaneously meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs. The future battlespace will be very demanding. Fighter aircraft will need to analyse and handle high volumes of data, supporting the pilot’s ability to select, launch and guide weapons in perfect coordination with other team members – well before the adversary. This is where Gripen E dominates,” says Mats Palmberg, Vice President (Industrial Partnerships) Saab AB and Head of Gripen India Campaign.
“Gripen E aircraft is true multi role and can execute all the roles by itself or in larger and comnined formations (strike, AD escort, SEAD and recce/battle damage assessment). Gripen E will always be one step ahead of its adversaries thanks to its easy upgradability at operational level. With its high degree of availability and low maintenance requirements, it would be the ideal workhorse for the IAF across the tactical battlefield,” says Head – Gripen and Airpower Systems, Saab India, Group Captain (retd) Sudhir Varma.
The Gripen E will fundamentally transform India’s defence technology prowess, realising its ambition to be an independent global player. The Gripen E fighter programme will make India independent of the need to purchase combat aircraft from other countries.
Saab is committed to the transfer of technology to India for its fighter aircraft programme. Saab has a comprehensive ‘Make in India’ programme which will include establishing a manufacturing facility; transfer of state-of-the-art technology, building an aerospace eco-system in India, creation of a local supplier base, employment and skills development for a well-trained Indian workforce.
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