Sweden’s Gripen conquered skies in 14 years, India’s Tejas stuck on ground for 33 years – here’s why​on February 13, 2026 at 2:59 am

In the early 1980s, Sweden and India each launched programmes to modernise their air forces with light and single-engine fighter jets. The Saab JAS-39 Gripen became a global success thanks to fast decision-making and a robust system, while India’s HAL Tejas, despite its technical achievements, faced setbacks due to systemic weaknesses. In the early 1980s, Sweden and India each launched programmes to modernise their air forces with light and single-engine fighter jets. The Saab JAS-39 Gripen became a global success thanks to fast decision-making and a robust system, while India’s HAL Tejas, despite its technical achievements, faced setbacks due to systemic weaknesses.