JAS 39 Gripen vs Rafale: how to tell them apart

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

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

Rafale

Combat aircraft, France. In service since 2001

What gives it away

Twin-engine delta wing with canards close behind the cockpit, single fin, two intakes under the wing roots.

Used by

France, India, Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia

JAS 39 Gripen · Rafale · All guides