WOULD THE GRIPEN BE A "DOWNGRADE"?
One of the most common criticisms when it comes to the Saab Gripen potentially replacing the CF-18 Hornet is that it would be a "downgrade". This criticism does have merit. The Gripen, even the "E" version, is smaller, lighter, less powerful, and carries less payload then the CF-18. When looked at under these metrics, one wonders why the Gripen should even be considered. There seems to be a lingering distaste for smaller fighters following Canada's experience with the CF-116 (F-5) Freedom Fighter. While the CF-5 was not a bad aircraft, it was ill-suited to Canada's needs . So why should Canada even consider "downgrading" to a smaller, less powerful fighter? The answer, of course, is context . Yes, the Gripen is indeed smaller than the CF-18. Roughly 2 meters shorter in length, over 3 meters narrower in wingspan, and just slightly shorter in height; you could fit a Gripen inside the Hornet's footprint with room to spare. At a mere ...