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F-35, Gripen E/F, and Rafale Comparison

Comparison of the costs and capabilities of the F-35, Gripen E/F, and Rafale fighter jets, including their purchase prices, operating costs, and lifecycle costs.

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Feb 7, 2026

How do lifecycle costs and expected fleet sizes compare between F-35, Gripen E/F, and Rafale for small air forces?

Small air forces weighing face a familiar tradeoff: the F-35 promises next‑generation capability at lower reported per‑aircraft purchase price in some recent deals, the Gripen touts the lowest operati...