A jet that intercepted an SR-71 Blackbird

A testament to the Viggen's capabilities is its historical encounter with the iconic Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, which is renowned for being the fastest air-breathing manned aircraft ever built. In a rare instance, a Saab 37 Viggen successfully intercepted and "caught" the Blackbird, showcasing the Viggen's exceptional performance. While the SR-71 was designed for high-speed reconnaissance missions and could fly at altitudes exceeding 85,000 feet, the Viggen's ability to track and engage such a sophisticated target is a remarkable achievement in aviation history.