Comparison of Russian and Swedish Military Fighter Jets

Comparison of Russian and Swedish Military Fighter Jets

Introduction.

The aerospace sectors in Sweden and Russia have impressive and powerful fighter jets. The Swedish Saab Gripen E and the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 will be compared in this article, with an emphasis on design, performance, and technological aspects.

Design.

A twin-engine, multipurpose fighter jet with exceptional maneuverability is the Sukhoi Su-35. Large delta wings and canards are part of its aerodynamic, svelte design. The aircraft has cutting-edge thrust-vectoring technology, which enables it to execute intricate aerial maneuvers that are unmatched by other fighter jets. Both in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat situations, the Su-35 is a formidable foe.

The Saab Gripen E is a single-engine, lightweight multirole fighter jet in contrast. Low maintenance, cost-effective operation, and simplicity of use were all priorities in its design. The Gripen E's small size enables it to take off and land on short runways, which makes it ideal for operating in difficult environments.

Performance.

The Su-35 and Gripen E are both impressive performers in their own right. The Su-35 can fly at a maximum altitude of 59,100 feet and reach top speeds of approximately Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h). With a 1,600 km combat radius, its range is roughly 3,600 km.

The Gripen E can fly at a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet and has a respectable top speed of Mach 2 (2,200 km/h), though it is not as quick as the Su-35. Its combat radius is 1,500 km, and its range is approximately 4,000 km.

Technology.

Both the Su-35 and Gripen E have cutting-edge avionics and weaponry. The Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar, which has a detection range of up to 400 km, is mounted on the Su-35. A variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles are also included, in addition to a 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon for close-quarters combat.

The Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array radar on the Gripen E, in contrast, has a detection range of up to 450 km. It also possesses a wide variety of weapons, such as the air-to-air missile Meteor with a range beyond visual range and the air-to-surface missile KEPD 350. The Gripen E has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite that makes it challenging to detect and target.

Conclusion.

In conclusion, both the Swedish Saab Gripen E and the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 are very capable fighter jets, each with specific advantages. The Gripen E excels in its cost-effectiveness, adaptability, and sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities, while the Su-35 excels in maneuverability and raw power. The nation's air force's specific needs and priorities will ultimately determine which of these two aircraft will be used. 

Author: Pooyan Ghamari, Swiss Economist and Specialist in Emerging Technologies 

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