The Saab 39 Gripen, often called the JAS 39 Gripen, is a highly capable multirole fighter aircraft renowned for its exceptional maneuverability, advanced avionics, and cost-efficient operation. Since its first flight in 1988 and subsequent introduction into service in 1996, Gripen has become the cornerstone of the Swedish Air Force and has since been adopted by several other nations around the world.
The F-4EJ Kai (F-4EJ改) was a vital upgrade for Japan’s aging F-4EJ Phantom IIs, extending their service life and enhancing combat effectiveness through the Aircraft Structural Integrity Program (ASIP). Introduced in the 1980s and first flown in 1984, the upgrade included advanced radar, improved avionics, and modern weapon systems, enabling the aircraft to remain operational until 2021. Sharing its radar and weapon suite with the F-16A, the F-4EJ Kai excels in long-range engagements using AIM-7Fs and dogfights with AIM-9Ls, though it struggles in close combat due to limited manoeuvrability. Pilots can exploit overshooting enemies by slowing down and using airbrakes, then striking with missiles or the gun, leveraging the ballistic computer for precise hits.
The Type 90 (90式戦車) is a third-generation main battle tank (MBT) developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). Introduced in 1990 to replace the ageing Type 61 and Type 74, it was designed to counter modern Soviet tanks like the T-72 and compete with Western MBTs such as the M1 Abrams and Leopard 2. Armed with a 120 mm L/44 smoothbore gun, it reflects the standard firepower of Gen 3 tanks. Though still in service, the Type 90 is being supplemented & gradually phased out in favour of the lighter yet more advanced Type 10, shifting as the Japanese Gen 3.5 MBT.
The J 35A Draken is a second-generation Swedish jet fighter that was manufactured by SAAB from 1955 until 1974. This legendary aircraft had its maiden flight in 1955 and was designed to replace the aging J 29 Tunnan and J 32 Lansen as an all-weather fighter-interceptor. Further, the Draken was the first West European jet fighter to breach the sound barrier and is well known for its very unique looks and shape. In War Thunder, this unique aircraft is a premium jet fighter that used to be in the Swedish air tree but has since been removed to only appear on special occasions. It was introduced with the update “Direct Hit”.
The SU-85A is the big brother of the SU-76M, featuring the same strengths and weaknesses but at a much higher Battle Rating. Unlike the SU-76M, it is armed with the 85mm D-5S cannon and has access to a wide variety of very potent ammunition types that excel at both short range and long range. The armor of the two vehicles is the same, with the only exception being a thin armor plate that covers the crew from the rear from low calibre machine guns.