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The F-35 is better and cheaper than Gripen or Rafale. Everyone who can buy F-35 is doing so. There were countries that switched when allowed to buy F-35. The G
by ianburrell 3y ago
The F-35 is better and cheaper than Gripen or Rafale. Everyone who can buy F-35 is doing so. There were countries that switched when allowed to buy F-35.
The Gripen's problem is that it is expensive for a light fighter. The other problem is that uses an American engine and US can control export. There aren't many countries that can't buy F-35 but can buy Gripen. Brazil is the big one.
The French Rafale is having more success because it isn't export limited. It is better than Gripen and same price.
- aubanel 3y agoThe Rafale is cheaper than the F35, by a wide margin.
- dralley 3y agoIt is not. A brand new F-35A costs a bit over 70 million. A new Rafale costs a bit over 100 million. In terms of operating costs, yes the Rafale is cheaper, mostly because it's not stealth. The fact that France is spending their money in France helps make up the difference - for France. But if you aren't France, the F-35 is a good deal.
- u320 3y agoSweden's problem is that we insist on only selling to the "good guys" (for domestic policy reasons), but everyone who is considered a good guy (e.g. Norway) is already in the F-35 program. So we sell to no-so-good-but-not-terrible guys like Brazil, South Africa, Hungary and Thailand.
- riku_iki 3y agoGripen is much cheaper to operate at least per official numbers.