Part 5/11:
After reviewing numerous proposals, including options from American and French manufacturers, Sweden ultimately settled on the Gripen design. The aircraft, adorned with canards and boasting an aerodynamic but unstable design for superior agility, was named after the mythical griffin, representing strength and vigilance. The first prototype made its debut in the skies on December 9, 1988, though not without setbacks, including crashes and developmental delays.