Air Force of Russia vs. Sweden: an Analytical Comparison
Introduction.
The aerospace industries of Sweden and Russia have produced some impressive and highly effective modern fighter jets. The Swedish Saab Gripen E and the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 will be compared in this article, with an emphasis on design, performance, and technological aspects.
Design.
A twin-engine, multipurpose fighter jet with exceptional maneuverability is the Sukhoi Su-35. It has a large delta wing, canards, and a sleek, aerodynamic design. Few other fighter jets can match the aircraft’s ability to perform intricate aerial maneuvers thanks to its advanced thrust-vectoring technology. Both in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat situations, the Su-35 is a formidable foe.
In contrast, the Saab Gripen E is a single-engine, light multirole fighter aircraft. Its design prioritizes low maintenance requirements, economical operation, and user friendliness. The Gripen E’s small size enables it to take off and land on short runways, which makes it ideal for operating in difficult environments.
Performance.
Both the Su-35 and the Gripen E have impressive performance capabilities. With a maximum operating altitude of 59,100 feet, the Su-35 can reach top speeds of about Mach 2.25 (2,400 km/h). With a combat radius of 1,600 km, its range is roughly 3,600 km.
While not as quick as the Su-35, the Gripen E still has a respectable top speed of Mach 2 (2,200 km/h) and can fly at a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet. Its combat radius is 1,500 km, and its range is roughly 4,000 km.
Technology.
Both the Su-35 and Gripen E feature cutting-edge avionics and weaponry. The Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar on the Su-35 has a detection range of up to 400 km. A variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles are also included, in addition to a 30mm GSh-30-1 autocannon for close-quarters combat.
The Raven ES-05 active electronically scanned array radar, on the other hand, is fitted to the Gripen E and has a detection range of up to 450 km. The Meteor air-to-air missile with a range beyond visual range and the KEPD 350 air-to-surface missile are just two examples of the diverse arsenal of weapons it possesses. The Gripen E has a sophisticated electronic warfare suite that makes it challenging to track and target.
Conclusion.
The Swedish Saab Gripen E and the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 are both very capable fighter jets, and each has particular advantages over the other. While the Su-35 excels in maneuverability and raw power, the Gripen E stands out for its cost effectiveness, adaptability, and sophisticated electronic warfare capabilities. The nation’s air force’s specific priorities and requirements will ultimately determine which of these two aircraft is selected.
Author: Pooyan Ghamari, Swiss Economist and Specialist in Emerging Technologies
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