Saab, the Swedish company producing aircrafts, has manufactures a fighter aircraft serving multiples purposes. The model is called JAS 39 Gripen and has only one lightweight engine. The processes to market, sell and support the Gripen fighter are realized by the Gripen International organization.

The Gripen fighter is used by the Swedish Air Force the Hungarian and the Czech Air Forces, but also by the Air Force of South Africa. The Royal Air Force of Thailand has also ordered Gripen aircrafts and the total number of such fighters raised up to 236 by 2008.

The Gripen air fighter is an effective, flexible combat aircraft designed for performance and survivability. The Gripen is suited for different types of missions: Air to Air or Jakt, Airt to Surface or Attack and Reconnaissance or Spanning. This is what JAS stands for. The Gripen component of the name was designated following a public competition back in 1982. It was inspired by the Saab logo which contains a griffin, symbol for the qualities presented by the aircraft. It is the same symbol present on the Östergötland coat of arms. Östergötland is the province where Saab AB has its headquarters.

A special feature of the Gripen is that it can land on and take off public roads. It is a feature present in the Swedish war defense strategy.