The first multi-role aircraft in the Swedish Air Force. Equipped with delta wing and nose wing, so-called canard wing. The special wing configuration in combination with the powerful engine enabled the aircraft to takeoff at very short runways. The possibility of reversing the thrust also meant that the aircraft could land on extremely short runways. The engine's possibility of reversing also made it possible to taxiing the aircraft backwards!

Viggen's performance at takeoff and landing made the aircraft particularly suitable for the Swedish roadbase system. When the type began to be added to the Air Force wings in 1971, it was one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world.

The Viggen began to be pre-projected as early as in the 1950s. In the early 1960s, aircraft configuration and engine were chosen. In 1963, avionics were chosen and in 1964 production of the first test aircraft began. In February 1967, the prototype flew for the first time with SAAB's chief pilot Erik Dahlström holding the stick. It was not until 1971 that the first aircraft began to be added to the Swedish Air Force. It took 20 years from idea to finished aircraft.

It was required that with lit afterburner it could reach 11 km altitude in 2 minutes. To meet the requirement, a civil aviation engine, Pratt & Whitney JT8D-22, was selected, which was modified and fitted with an afterburner. This made use of the civilian operating experience and expected less maintenance costs.

In order to reduce the pilot's workload, Viggen was provided with an advanced navigation and weapon system. The electronic equipment allowed the pilot to concentrate on the tactical flight. Viggen's electronic equipment was updated countless times during its operational period. This essentially contributed to the aircraft being able to consolidate its position as one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft during its entire operational period within the Swedish Air Force.

The last version of the Viggen developed by SAAB was JA 37. with a more powerful engine (RM 8B) and a brand new radar system. The JA 37 electronics system was also completely different from previous versions of the Viggen.

​

​