As the jet era started Sweden saw the need for a jet fighter that could intercept bombers at high altitude, but also take on fighters. The concept is similar to the US Air Force' F-104 Starfighter. Its wings have a distinctive "double-delta" configuration, with one delta wing within another larger delta. Propulsion is provided by a single Svenska Flygmotor RM6B/C turbojet (Rolls-Royce Avon 200/300).
It was later replaced by the Saab Viggen in Swedish service although it remains in limited numbers in both military and civilian service. In 1985 the Austrian air force purchased 24 Saab-Scania reconditioned Drakens.
