F-16V Viper vs Gripen E
The global workhorse vs the Nordic efficiency champion
F-16V Viper
United States 路 In service 2015
The F-16V Viper is the latest production variant of the world's most successful fourth-generation fighter. Fitted with an AESA radar, modern cockpit, and enhanced electronic warfare, it offers proven multi-role performance at a fraction of fifth-generation costs.
Gripen E
Sweden 路 In service 2024
The Gripen E is Sweden's latest lightweight multi-role fighter, designed for affordability, dispersed operations, and rapid turnaround from highway strips. Its advanced AESA radar and data-link capabilities punch well above its weight class.
The Matchup
Both are single-engine, AESA-equipped fighters competing for the same export market. The F-16V brings decades of combat pedigree and a massive logistics ecosystem. The Gripen E counters with lower operating costs and dispersed-operations capability.
Performance Radar
Rating Breakdown
Specifications
| Specification | F-16V Viper | Gripen E |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph) | Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph) |
| Combat Radius | 340 mi (546 km) on internal fuel | 810 mi (1,300 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 50,000+ ft | 52,000 ft |
| Max G | +9.0 | +9.0 |
| Thrust/Weight | 1.095 | 0.97 (clean) |
| Weapons Stations | 9 hardpoints, 17,000 lb total | 10 hardpoints, 12,100 lb total |
| Radar | AN/APG-83 SABR AESA | PS-05/A Mk 7 Raven ES-05 AESA |
| Unit Cost | $63M (Block 70, 2023) | $85M (2023) |
| Engine | 1x GE F110-GE-132 or P&W F100-PW-229 | 1x GE F414G |
| Crew | 1 | 1 |
| Length | 49.5 ft | 49.2 ft |
| Wingspan | 32.8 ft | 28.9 ft |
Strengths & Weaknesses
F-16V Viper
Strengths
- + Enormous global fleet with decades of logistics infrastructure
- + AESA radar provides near-fifth-gen situational awareness
- + Excellent cost-per-flight-hour for training and operations
- + Over 4,600 produced, massive parts and weapons ecosystem
Weaknesses
- - Single engine with no stealth features
- - Airframe approaching design limits for future growth
- - Shorter combat radius than twin-engine fighters
- - Older platform architecture limits deep upgrades
Gripen E
Strengths
- + Lowest operating cost per flight hour of any Western fighter
- + Designed for highway strip and dispersed operations
- + Quick turnaround: refuel and rearm in 10 minutes
- + Advanced data-link and network-centric warfare capabilities
Weaknesses
- - Single engine limits redundancy and raw thrust
- - Smaller weapons payload than twin-engine competitors
- - Limited operator base compared to F-35 or Typhoon
- - Lightweight design limits growth potential
Verdict
The F-16V offers superior combat pedigree and a vast weapons ecosystem, while the Gripen E offers lower lifecycle costs and unique operational flexibility. The choice depends on operator priorities: proven capability or economic efficiency.