Technology development never ends, but it sometimes changes shape. After devoting a decade of development activity on the Gripen E fighter, Saab's aeronautics division is now focusing on new upgrades to the previous version while also starting early concept studies on the next generation of combat aircraft. The Brazilian Air Force declared initial operational capability (IOC) with the F-39E Gripen on Dec. 19, passing the milestone about three weeks after military airworthiness officials in Brazil and Sweden granted the aircraft a military type certificate. The Swedish Air Force is expected to declare IOC with the first JAS 39E squadron later this year.
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