F-16C Fighting Falcon vs JAS 39 Gripen: how to tell them apart

Two combat aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

F-16C Fighting Falcon

Combat aircraft, USA. In service since 1984

What gives it away

Single tail fin, intake under the fuselage, frameless bubble canopy.

Used by

USA, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and 20+ others

JAS 39 Gripen

Combat aircraft, Sweden. In service since 1996

What gives it away

Small single-engine delta wing with canards just behind the cockpit and a single tail fin.

Used by

Sweden, Czech Republic, Hungary, South Africa, Thailand, Brazil

F-16C Fighting Falcon · JAS 39 Gripen · All guides