Saab Viggen
The Saab 37 Viggen was Sweden’s answer to Cold War airpower—a multirole combat aircraft designed for rapid deployment, advanced avionics, and short-field operations. Introduced in 1971, the Viggen featured a distinctive delta-canard layout and was the first European fighter to incorporate a digital central computer, making it decades ahead of its time.
Developed by Saab AB and operated exclusively by the Swedish Air Force, the Viggen was built to defend Sweden’s neutrality with precision strike, reconnaissance, and maritime patrol variants. Its STOL capability allowed it to operate from public roads and dispersed bases, a key feature of Sweden’s decentralized defense strategy.
This category showcases archival photographs of the Viggen in flight, on display, and in operational settings. From the AJ 37 strike variant to the JA 37 interceptor, each image highlights the aircraft’s technological innovation and Cold War legacy.
