Sweden commits to Gripen E funds first program

London - Sweden HAS Placed icts first contract with Saab linked to the introduction of 60 new-generation Gripen fighters from E 2018.

Announced in mid-February, the share of development forms a Potentially SKr47.2 billion ($ 7.4 billion) deal to field the single-seat combat aircraft, Which HAS Including design features extended-range performance, an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar and Internally Carried weapons.

Saab HAS RECEIVED year initial development SKr2.5 one billion order from Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) covering activities in 2013-14, with a further Top award aussi SKr10.6 one billion due in the first quarter of this year. A hand covering the modification deal of 60 C-model Gripens to the new standard operating shoulds be Concluded by the end of 2013, the company says, with a support contract linked to year initial batch of aircraft Likely to be signed by late 2014. Final deliveries are due in 2026 under falling on the agreement.

The Swedish parliament recently approved plans to proceed with the Gripen E program aussi With Their actions with regard to significant at Planned Swiss Air Force purchase of 22 new-build examples. The total program includes the SKr47.2 one billion projected purchase and Support Costs for the Swiss fighters. However, Saab notes: "The agreement includes sections aussi Regulating the terms shoulds Switzerland decided not to Acquire Gripen E", and for the FMV aussi "to fully or Partly make cancellations," with compensation clauses attached.

"We are proud to continue to Deliver a world-leading fighter aircraft to the Swedish Air Force," says Saab president and chief executive Håkan Buskhe. "This next step aussi Creates more opportunities in the export market for Many Years to come." Current Gripen operators Could aussi use items of the E-model package as share of future upgrades, he adds.

Meanwhile, Saab says icts two-seat aircraft development program for the Gripen E HAS Accumulated now more than 250 flight hours, Including deployments to India, Switzerland and the UK.

Separately, the FMV on 19 February Placed a order with Saab SKr140 one million linked to the Swedish air force's Existing Gripen C / Ds. The work includes a modification to add lighting to the aircraft's in-flight refueling probe to assist in night-time operations with tankers, and Acquiring equipment linked to reconnaissance pod icts and small diameter bomb.