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Saab Unveils New Version Of Gripen Fighter Jet

The first test flight is expected later this year.

The Associated Press
May 18, 2016
The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUT
The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUT

Swedish aircraft maker Saab has unveiled the latest version of its Gripen fighter jet.

About 500 people, including Swedish Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist and Brazilian air force commander Nivaldo Luiz Rossato, watched the rollout of the new Gripen E on Wednesday in Linkoping, about 170 kilometers (105 miles) southeast of Stockholm.

The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUTThe E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. (Anders Wiklund/TT via AP) SWEDEN OUT

The E fighter is slightly bigger than previous versions, has a stronger engine and updated radar systems. It has been in development for about 10 years. The first test flight is expected later this year.

Brazil has ordered 36 Gripen fighters for delivery between 2019 and 2024. Earlier versions of the plane are in service in the air forces of Sweden, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary and Thailand.