On 6 October, the first series-produced Jas 39 Gripen E aircraft was delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV. Previously, Saab had delivered two Jas 39 Gripen E to the authority for use in flight testing activities, but within the framework of Saab's operating licence.

In an interview with FMV, Lars Helmrich, head of FMV's Air and Space Materiel division, expresses his admiration for the aircraft now being delivered. When asked about when the first aircraft will be delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces, he responds:

– So far, three aircraft have been delivered to the state, and they are used in testing activities. From 2025 onwards, the plan is for FMV to deliver JAS 39E to the Air Force. However, personnel from the Air Force are already, and have been since 2012, involved in the development activities with both pilots and other personnel. This is an important part of the Swedish model to ensure that what the user receives is indeed what is needed!

If you want to read the full interview, you can do so here.