Stockholm, February 13 - Swedish defense company Saab is exploring cost-effective enhancements to its JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet to better address the growing threat of low-cost kamikaze drones, such as the Shahed series, drawing directly from operational insights gained in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The proliferation of inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles has highlighted a key challenge in modern air defense: the inefficiency of deploying high-value air-to-air missiles against cheap, mass-produced threats. Saab executives have emphasized the need for fighter aircraft to carry affordable munitions specifically tailored for countering these drones, ensuring sustainable operations without rapidly depleting expensive stockpiles.
Central to these considerations is the potential integration of the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS), a laser-guided 70mm rocket derived from the Hydra family. This system transforms unguided rockets into precision-guided munitions capable of engaging slow-moving aerial targets with high accuracy. Reports indicate that APKWS costs significantly less, typically in the range of $20,000 to $35,000 per round, compared to traditional missiles that can exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars. Its proven performance in Ukraine, where it has been adapted for anti-drone roles across various platforms, has demonstrated its effectiveness as a budget-friendly alternative for intercepting Shahed-type drones, which themselves are valued at roughly similar low costs.
By incorporating APKWS or similar low-cost options, the Gripen could gain enhanced flexibility in air defense missions, particularly in scenarios involving swarms or persistent drone attacks. Saab is examining compatibility for both older Gripen C/D variants and the advanced Gripen E model, including possibilities for multi-munition configurations on single hardpoints to maximize payload efficiency. This approach aligns with broader lessons from Ukraine, where layered defenses and economical interception methods have proven vital for maintaining air superiority against attritional tactics relying on affordable unmanned systems.
These developments underscore a shift toward pragmatic, adaptable weaponry in fighter design, allowing platforms like the Gripen to remain relevant in contested environments dominated by low-cost threats. As militaries worldwide observe Ukraine's experiences, integrating such solutions could redefine how advanced fighters engage asymmetric aerial dangers, balancing capability with economic viability in prolonged conflicts.
