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Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon vs Saab AB JAS 39E Gripen

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Full spec sheet

Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon Wins 8/11
Saab AB JAS 39E Gripen Wins 3/11
Performance
Max speed (km/h) 2,120 km/h 2,124 km/h
Max speed (Mach) (Mach) 2 Mach 2 Mach
Range (km) 4,220 km 4,000 km
Combat radius (km) 550 km 1,500 km
Service ceiling (m) 15,240 m 16,000 m
Rate of climb (m/s) 254 m/s
Thrust-to-weight 1.1 1.05
Firepower
Hardpoints 11 10
Weapons payload (kg) 7,700 kg 5,300 kg
Physical
Length (m) 15.06 m 15.2 m
Empty weight (kg) 9,207 kg 8,000 kg
Combat weight (kg) 19,187 kg 16,500 kg
Crew 1 1
Propulsion
Thrust (kN) 129 kN 98 kN
Program
Unit cost (USD) $63,000,000 $85,000,000
Units built 4,600 60
Operator countries 25 3

Frequently asked questions

Which is faster, Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon and Saab AB JAS 39E Gripen? +

The Saab AB JAS 39E Gripen is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 2,124 km/h.

Which has the longer range? +

The Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon has the longest range at 4,220 km.

Which carries the larger weapons payload? +

The Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon carries the largest weapons payload at 7,700 kg.

Which is cheaper? +

The Lockheed Martin F-16C Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon has the lower public unit-cost figure at 63,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional — defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.

Where does this comparison data come from? +

Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.

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