Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 4:20:22-4:24:29

A carrier-capable Saab Gripen

Sea Gripen proposals lead to discussion of carrier launch and recovery arrangements, export markets, and possible Queen Elizabeth-class adaptation.

Carrier AircraftLive Q&ANaval AviationQueen Elizabeth Class Aircraft CarriersSaab Gripen
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Question

What would a carrier variant of the Saab Gripen offer?

Short answer

The proposal offers a carrier Gripen for CATOBAR or STOBAR operation. The panel considers India a likely market and discusses adding arresting gear to Queen Elizabeth-class carriers as a hypothetical British option.

Notes

The Sea Gripen proposal is discussed in both CATOBAR and STOBAR forms, with India considered a likely intended market. The design also advertises the Gripen's rough-field operating concept. The example displayed is a 2017 proposal, identified during the episode as earlier than an updated version. For Britain, the discussion considers arrested recovery from Queen Elizabeth-class carriers without necessarily fitting catapults. This remains a proposed adaptation; the exchange does not establish a completed carrier variant or an approved British installation.