Revell 1/144 Saab JAS-39 Gripen (04087)

The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is Scandinavia’s answer to the challenge of designing a world-class multi-role combat aircraft within the budget of a mid-sized nation — a delta-canard lightweight fighter that punches well above its weight in terms of capability, supportability, and export success. Developed in the 1980s and entering Swedish Air Force service in 1996, the Gripen’s fly-by-wire system, short-field performance, and ability to operate from dispersed road bases reflect Sweden’s Cold War doctrine of distributed survival against a Soviet invasion. Exported to the Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Brazil, and Thailand among others, the Gripen has proved one of the most commercially successful European fighters of its generation. Revell’s compact 1/144 kit captures the type’s characteristic delta-canard planform neatly. Note: a small amount of painting has been started on the sprues but no construction has taken place — the kit is otherwise complete.

Sweden’s world-class lightweight fighter — JAS 39 Gripen in 1/144 scale.

The sprue bag has been opened and a small amount of painting has been started, but no construction has taken place. The kit is otherwise complete. Instructions and decals are present. Box shows signs of age-related wear — see photos.