There is such a country - Sweden. For a long time. Actually, why not be? Moreover, this is one of the European monarchies. Small, the population will be less than Moscow, but nevertheless.
The times when everyone was afraid of the steps of the Swedes have sunk into oblivion. Until recently, the Swedes were generally a kind of neutrals like Switzerland. That, however, did not prevent them from being a faithful source of raw materials for Germany in two world wars.
But today Sweden is generally a quiet and peaceful place. They live and live, sometimes, however, they kick up, but this is only when Russian submarines enter the fiords in shoals for spawning.
But recently again that … Spring, apparently.
Quite a serious newspaper "Aftonbladet" ("Evening Blade") published an article that says … It is difficult to understand, but in principle - about the achievements of the Swedish aircraft industry. (Så står sig Gripen E - mot ryska superplanet)
No, there are achievements. Saab is known and respected in the aviation world. And the combat aircraft of this company are in service not only with the Swedish Air Force, but also with the Air Forces of Hungary, the Czech Republic, South Africa and Thailand.
And the Bulgarians are looking more and more in the direction of the Gripen. And participation in the Indian tender is not a world-class recognition?
But the fact that the Swedish journalists and expert Mr. Bloom banged in their article "Gripen" against the "Russian super-aircraft" - this is the spring overkill in all respects.
The bottom line is that in a couple of years a new modification of the main Swedish combat aircraft JAS 39 Gripen - "E" will be released.
Well done, congratulations.
But then the authors went too far with jingoistic patriotism. Well, yes, the E-series Gripen is probably a step towards the fifth generation Swedish fighter. But why equate it with the F-22 and Su-57?
“The Su-57 is the first Russian fifth generation fighter. With its stealth technology, advanced AFAR radars and long-range missiles, it responds to the call of the US's most advanced fighter-interceptor, the F-22 Raptor - on par with the Swedish Gripen E.
Like this, right? So imperceptibly, but confidently, the Swedes suddenly stood in line with those who oppose the "Russian threat"?
And not only did they seem to be in service, but also it turns out that this "Gripen E" is, as it were, on a par with the Su-57. Swedes, dear ones, you will forgive me, but in all respects, if you really equate, then at best with the MiG-35.
And even then it comes out offensively.
Let's be honest: Gripen's Russian classmate is the Yak-130.
If so, without pulling the owl onto the globe. Because even the MiG-35 looks like a monster next to the Gripen.
In general, what is "Gripen"?
Yes, that's what he is, as in the title. JAS stands for Jakt - fighter, Attack - attack aircraft, Spaning - scout.
Three-in-one coffee, and all three ingredients seem to be not the best. Although the Gripen cocktail is generally quite good and picky.
But to shove it to the fifth generation … Even in the long term … In 10 years … Not comme il faut.
I'll start with invisibility. The glider remained practically the same and there is no question of a significant decrease in visibility.
We installed a radar station with AFAR. Great, but this is not the 5th generation as it were. This is a useful and modern option, but it is becoming common on our planes.
Supersonic air-to-air missile "Meteor" with a range of 100 km. Good. The Europeans did a lot of work with the rocket, but the Gripen was the first to hang it on. So about how good or bad Meteor is, it is worth talking a little later.
Replaced the engine. Now, instead of the "native" with afterburner thrust equal to 8160 kgf, there will be an "American" from F / A-18E, which produces 9700 kgf on afterburner. Yes, the top speed has increased from 2000 km / h to 2350 km / h.
But one can only dream about supersonic in non-afterburner mode. And where is there to be equal to ours, who know how to do this? Controlled thrust vector - yes, but today it is also a plus, not a decisive advantage.
There is also an excellent optical-location system operating in the visible and infrared ranges. But the complex of active defense remained at the level of the fourth generation. Standard set: means of warning about radar and laser irradiation and automatic shooting of heat traps.
The combat load is also not impressive. In the future, an increase to 6000 kg. Well, God knows not what and all the same, pretty much less than ours.
The plane is good as a fighter. There is nothing to argue about. It is quite capable of competing both in the markets and in battle with fourth-generation aircraft from F-15/16, Rafal, Typhoon to MiG-29Sm and Su-30.
But about the Su-35 and MiG-35, it's doubtful. Our avionics are more modern, and the missiles will be better. "Meteor" with its 100 km, of course, is good. But the R-27 (110 km) is definitely no worse. Moreover, "Meteor" in flight "glows" like a searchlight due to the use of an active seeker with a radar. And the R-27 is passive. Moreover, there is also a modification with an infrared seeker.
Well, how "Meteor" will be against "Khibiny" - again, something tells me that our electronic warfare means will be pretty much better.
As an attack aircraft, "Gripen" is generally not worth considering. This is so … It is written for a catchphrase. Which one is a stormtrooper?
One engine, no armor. Laughter, and nothing more. Here normal twin-engine armored attack aircraft have problems with MANPADS, but where does Gripen go?
Only sad statistics.
Moreover, in the nomenclature of the aircraft there is absolutely no thing that, in fact, can be stormed. That is, bombs and missiles.
No, in general they are. But there is a high-explosive air-to-surface missile, there is an anti-ship missile. But there is no anti-tank missile, no anti-radar.
And to the used (seemingly) AGM-65 "Maverick" not that there are questions, but … In general, I do not want to offend the veteran. Still, almost 50 years in the ranks. Yes, for "Mavrik" that a tank, that an iron garage heated in the sun - everything is the same, but somehow consider this, albeit a modernized fossil as a weapon for the fifth generation …
In general, someone (possibly Mr. Bloom) just wanted to grumble. And at the same time show "these Russians" how no one is afraid of them. "Swedish response" to Putin's speech, let's put it this way.
In this aspect - quite.
But how serious an adversary will Gripen E be in the future …
No, not for the Su-57. It's like in that Pushkin fairy tale: first cope with the youngest.
The younger ones are the Su-30SM, Su-35S, MiG-35.
And we'll see.
But in general, after such a wonderful rebuff, the Swedes can sleep peacefully. "Gripen E" will reliably protect them from the Su-57.
Just one nuance: what if these Russians don't want to wait until the Swedes release this Gripen?
What then?
