The Viggen was designed to fulfill multiple roles, including air defense, ground attack, reconnaissance, and maritime strike, showcasing its versatility in combat operations.
It featured a distinctive delta wing design, with canard, which provided excellent low-speed handling characteristics, high maneuverability, and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities.
Powered by a powerful afterburning turbofan engine, the Viggen was capable of reaching speeds exceeding Mach 2, making it one of the fastest fighter aircraft of its era.
Equipped with a modern avionics suite, including radar, inertial navigation system (INS), and electronic countermeasures (ECM), the Viggen boasted advanced capabilities for its time.
The Viggen was designed to operate in all weather conditions, including adverse weather such as rain, snow, and fog, enhancing its operational flexibility and effectiveness.
It could carry a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including missiles, bombs, rockets, and cannons, enabling it to engage various targets with precision and lethality.
With its STOL capabilities, the Viggen could operate from short, unprepared airstrips, increasing its operational flexibility and survivability in austere environments.
As part of Sweden's policy of military neutrality, the Viggen was developed to ensure the country's defense independence and deterrence capability during the Cold War era.
The Viggen served in the Swedish Air Force from the late 1960s until its retirement in the 2000s, demonstrating its long service life and adaptability to evolving operational requirements.
The Viggen's advanced design and capabilities influenced subsequent Saab aircraft, including the Gripen fighter, and its legacy continues to be celebrated in aviation circles worldwide.