Gripen News Thread

[Upandaway]

Mercenary Gripens?

"NATO's ability to conduct multi-national combat training could be transformed if a 24-aircraft system being proposed by a Dutch-based company takes off.
The integrated opposing force (IOPFOR) concept now being promoted by ECA Program would see a new fleet of privately-owned and operated lightweight fighters provide an aggressor training service for Alliance nations.
Platform candidates include the Chengdu J-10, RSK MiG-35 and Saab Gripen, with ECA chief executive and IOPFOR manager Melville ten Cate expecting to announce a selection in mid-May."

http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/th....html#comments

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/art...rchase-371328/

Late april fools joke? Quite apart from the obvious wierdness of the business case (not to mention the cost and difficulty of piloting etc.) I would tend to agree with a commenter on the first link:

"if Saab (or anybody else, but I'll use saab as an example) provides planes for such a program, it means any army would be able to train against the gripen, with pilots which won't under perform (unlike at air shows) and with top-notch electornic systems (since they advertise 5th gen capability)

that would greatly reduce the value of the plane, since knowing the capabilities and being able to plan aginst them is strategically critical.
my bet is that nobody will want to sell them any plane..."

On the other hand, another commenter says:

"If you know something about this venture you'd know they already bought 14 SU-27 jets from Belarus. And secured a operating license at Keflavik with flights to begin later this year. I don't know if they already have deals with NATO or if this is a huge gamble but they do more than talk. Now they want to add a lighter component in order to offer a lower-price training solution."

Question is, will any company want to sell a top-notch plane to a private operator?

[kme]

Mercenary Gripens?
...
Question is, will any company want to sell a top-notch plane to a private operator?

That's not entirely unthinkable. Of course the Swedish state can't sell Gripens to such an operator, but as SwAF has more A/B models than they care for they could transfer some to SAAB who can sell them further on by a straw man.

Swedish Bofors has sold a lot of guns and canons to very doubtful customers using a similar scheme.

But I agree the business plan is taken from a computer game ("Strike Commander"?). However JAS-39 A/B will be a lot cheaper to operate than SU-27.

[lander]

Saab Expands Co-Operation with Akaer In Brazil

Saab strengthens and improves the relation with Akaer through a financial investment to the equivalent of 15 percent shareholding in the company. The expanded co-operation creates a strategic long term collaboration whereby Saab will also be part of Akaer's Advisory Board.

Saab and Akaer have been partners since 2007 when Akaer was assigned responsibility to design specific work packages for Gripen NG, and the existing partnership will now be further expanded with investment in Akaer.

“Akaer has achieved outstanding progress in aeronautical engineering and commercial achievements in a highly competitive industry. Together we can further explore business possibilities both inBraziland internationally. Our co-operation will also be strengthened by meeting technical and commercial objectives from the Gripen NG project related to current work packages,” says Saab´s Senior Vice President Dan Jangblad.

Akaer will stay independent and be controlled and managed by the Brazilian founder and management, and Saab will be part of Akaer's Advisory Board. This movement is totally in line with the new Brazilian law related to the Brazilian Defense Industry.

“Akaer and Saab share aero structural synergies and together we can meet the demands in aero structures assemblies to the aerospace industry. I am certain our partnership will guarantee both quality and long-term business," says Cesar da Silva, CEO Akaer

This investment is yet another important step towards further future design, development and production of Gripen NG inBrazil. Another important strategic aspect of this partnership will be the enhanced participation in various Brazilian aerospace and defense programs and wider access to the export market..

Brazilis an important and growing market for Saab, and with this growing partnership with Brazilian industry, Saab can together deliver key next generation technical and military capabilities providing for national autonomy in future design, development and operation.

Background

Akaer is a Brazilian engineering company that has been operating since 1992 in the segments aerospace and defense, having participated of the main programs in these segments in bothBraziland abroad, offering services of high technological content and innovative solutions. Its main focus is the development of aero-structures, as well as management of turnkey projects, offering complete solutions with a commitment and creativity through an experienced and trained team. Akaer is recognized today by the main actors of this segment as one of the main Brazilian engineering companies with global operations.

Saab and Akaer have been partner since 2007. In October 2009 an agreement was signed between Akaer and Saab regarding Akaer participation in the Gripen NG development program. The purpose of the agreement was to lay the foundations for good co-operation between the two companies and to support Saab's development and production for the rear fuselage, mid fuselage and wing including main landing gear doors for Gripen NG. Immediately after the agreement signature, a team of Brazilian engineers from Akaer were stationed inSweden to acquaint themselves with the NG project to participate in the development and to learn about Saab's requirements and methods in the form of technology transfer through "on the job training".

During 2010 Akaer facilities inBrazilwere prepared and certified for work activities related to Gripen NG development, including special security controlled areas equipped with advanced network systems connected with Saab inSweden. A team fromSwedeninitiated development work at Akaer with the opening of a local Saab office inSao Paulo. The Akaer team participated in the conception phase including design, tooling and industrialization and on the 20 October 2010 Akaer released to Saab the first 3D model and production drawing of the Gripen NG in Sao Jose de Campos.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/art...in-brazil.html

[lander]

Saab expands its co-operation with AEL Sistemas S/A of Brazil

In connection with Saab’s Gripen NG proposal to Brazil the Defence and Security Company, has expanded its planned co-operation with Aeroeletronica Ltda (AEL) of Brazil and now also includes development, production and long term logistics of the Gripen NG avionics package.
In 2009, Saab and AEL Sistemas signed a MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) identifying potential areas of co-operation under the Brazilian F-X2 Program.

Since then, AEL experienced a significant growth and capabilities evolution, which has opened new opportunities for co-operation between the companies. The existing MoU between Saab and AEL Sistemas has now been revised and further expanded and identifies projects relating areas of the development, production and long term logistics support of the Gripen NG avionics package.

Mr Vitor Jaime Puglia Neves, Vice President of AEL Sistemas S/A, stated that “I welcome the MoU between Saab and AEL Sistemas which represents an extremely important step towards the creation of a Brazilian Complete Avionics Package from AEL and respective CLS services in the Gripen NG aircraft. “

Saab’s approach to industrial co-operation covers a broad range of long term sustainable business activities focused not only on the product, delivering investment, job creation, technology transfer, manufacturing, technical support, training and scientific co-operation beneficial to Brazilian industry and the Brazilian nation.

“We are convinced that our offer is the best alternative for Brazil. Saab offers Brazilian industry a very competitive industrial co-operation package that exceeds the requirement of 100 percent of the order value”, says Saab’s Dan Jangblad, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. “The industrial collaboration would create an even broader opportunity for Swedish and Brazilian co-operation”.

Facts about the Saab industrial offer to Brazil

In the response to Brazil Saab commits to deliver more than 175 percent industrial co-operation including offers such as:

· a broad industrial co-operation, not limited to the defence industry
· long-term industrial benefits directly relevant to Brazilian requirements
· the Gripen approach enables funding, Brazil/Swedish partnerships and export opportunities
· extensive opportunities for technology transfer creating national autonomy
· use of Brazilian technology for both defence and civil applications
· full support from our partners and the Investor network
· job creation & sustainability

http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Sa...-SA-of-Brazil/

[Steak-Sauce]

PICTURES: Swiss pilots fly next-generation Gripen

By: Craig Hoyle London


Switzerland has advanced its planned purchase of the Gripen E/F fighter, with two pilots from the nation's air force and Armasuisse procurement agency having flown Saab's development aircraft in Sweden.

Four test flights totalling a combined 3h 36min were conducted between 2 and 4 May from the Swedish manufacturer's Linköping site, with Switzerland also having sent flight test engineers to the location.

Pictures, Article continued @ Flightglobal

[lander]

SAAB Signs memorandum of understanding with the Inter-American Development Bank

The defence and security company Saab and the Inter-American Development Bank have signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement will facilitate cooperation in projects where the Development Bank is offering finance to Latin American cities to support sustainable development.Saab and the Inter-American Development Bank will jointly investigate opportunities to cooperate in Saab’s project for attractive cities, and will consider whether the project has the potential to be carried forward within the framework of the Bank’s initiative to support the development of sustainable cities and safe environments in Latin America.

“Over the past decade, Latin America and the Caribbean has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the world,” says Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the Inter-American Development Bank. “We have more than 500 cities with populations between 100,000 and two million people, and we need to make sure they develop in a way that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. We look forward to exploring areas of cooperation with Saab’s attractive cities project, which taps the company’s technology to contribute to sustainable urban environments in areas experiencing increased population and growth.”

Saab’s project for attractive cities is a long-term initiative with the target of developing existing expertise and technical products into a product portfolio of environmentally sustainable solutions that contribute to efficient, safe and sustainable urban environments.

“Saab views the cooperation with the Inter-American Development Bank very positively, and it fits well into Saab’s strategy to create global partnerships and networks for sustainable development,” says Dan Jangblad, Saab’s Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. “Saab is a technology company with large numbers of advanced products and solutions that are well-suited to meeting the challenges of the environmental field.”


Saab GreenTech is a business concept that aims to create and bring into use environmentally sustainable solutions in a variety of contexts where people impact on the environment. This could for example involve using situation pictures and sensor integration to manage and control traffic flows efficiently in order to avoid traffic jams and accidents.

http://www.saabgroup.com/en/About-Sa...elopment-Bank/

Saab really seems to go all in on South America, huh?

[Upandaway]

Really good debate article (the first in a series) by Giovanni de Briganti of Defense-Aerospace comparing the F-35 with other contemporary aircraft. The focus is on the F-35, but Gripen also gets a lot of mentions. Brings home just how much of a marketing term terms like "5-generation" really is.

http://www.defense-aerospace.com/art...part-1%29.html

[Steak-Sauce]

Switzerland Refines UAV, Fighter Procurement Plans

By Robert Wall
Source: Aviation Week & Space Technology

May 07 , 2012


Take your pick: The Swiss government is either more practical than most in making major defense procurements, or is just as incapable as others in crafting a feasible strategy.

At issue are further revisions to the country's plan to field a new combat aircraft to replace the F-5 Tiger. Last year, the government opted for the Saab Gripen NG, noting that while it might not be the most capable fighter available, it represented the best value for the money (the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon were also in the running). The government also asked the defense ministry to explore ways to strengthen the program.

As a result, the Swiss air force is making another concession, sacrificing its desired schedule in the hopes of reducing risk. Rather than acting as the trail-blazer for the Gripen NG development to meet its 2015 fielding target, it has opted to work in lock-step with Sweden to develop the fighter. The two are also expected to settle on a nearly identical aircraft configuration.

Article continued @ Aviation Week

[PMI]

Really good debate article (the first in a series)...

That is certainly debatable. A lot of grossly inaccurate information there.

[JohanGrön]

PICTURES: Swiss pilots fly next-generation Gripen
By: Craig Hoyle London

Switzerland has advanced its planned purchase of the Gripen E/F fighter, with two pilots from the nation's air force and Armasuisse procurement agency having flown Saab's development aircraft in Sweden.
Four test flights totalling a combined 3h 36min were conducted between 2 and 4 May from the Swedish manufacturer's Linköping site, with Switzerland also having sent flight test engineers to the location.

Pictures, Article continued @ Flightglobal

[Steak-Sauce]

Very nice, thanks.

[Upandaway]

Not strictly Gripen News, but when reading the below I am sure that you will agree: Gripen fits the description very nicely.

Aquino said that his government had asked to buy second-hand F-16s from the United States, but their maintenance costs could end up being too high because of their age.
“We might end up spending $400 million or $800 million per squadron, and we were thinking of getting two squadrons,” he said in an interview with Manila’s Bombo Radio.
“We do have an alternative, and — this is a surprise — it seems we have the capacity to buy brand-new, but not from America,” Aquino said, without mentioning the aircraft model.
“These are manufactured by another progressive country that I won’t name at this point.”


http://globalnation.inquirer.net/37051/philippines-may-buy-fighters-other-than-us

Perhaps the first copy-cat procurement of the Thai buy in the region? The Gripen was and is a defensive fighter intended to deny a larger opponent an advantage through numbers, dispersion and networking. Would not be surprised if the Philippines end up with a very similar package to that of Thailand.

[Upandaway]

"We (a small group of journalists from South Africa) were there for Exercise Lion Effort 2012, an exercise for all the air forces that operate the Saab JAS39 Gripen fighter...

However, we also had briefings from members of the SAAF detachment. In the course of these, the possibility of using the Gripen against pirates in the Mozambique Channel came up...

Fighters against pirates? It seems inappropriate. But there is more sense to it than first appears. Firstly, it must be remembered that the Gripen is a multirole fighter – it was designed to be a reconnaissance platform as well. The idea would be that 2 Squadron would carry out reconnaissance patrols over the Mozambique Channel. This would not be a novel or new mission for the Gripen. Antishipping surveillance and strike is a core mission for the Swedish Air Force and the Gripen’s radar has an excellent sea surveillance and nautical target search, locate and attack capability. Ironically, the SAAF’s fighters have a much better oversea radar capability than its ancient C-47TP maritime patrol aircraft, which use an adapted civilian radar...

I gave an idea of the economic damage Somali piracy is doing to Indian Ocean countries. The Seychelles government has calculated that, at the height of the problem, piracy cut their gross domestic product by 8%. Mombasa, in Kenya, has seen its cruise liner tourist trade completely disappear. Transport costs have gone up, trade has declined and prices have risen."

http://maritimesecurity.asia/free-2/...f-the-sa-navy/

[lander]

At Saab the claims were fiercely rejected. They sent two people to Switzerland this week to talk to reporters in Bern after the leaks, which shows that the publication sparked heavy tensions.

- There is absolutely no true content of this information. Most of the facts are incorrect. Take, for example speed. We have flown this plane very close to Mach 2, but the Swiss pilot did not want to reach higher than Mach 1.34. He did not want to fly faster, says Eddy de la Motta, head of the Gripen Export to SvD Business.

Nor is it surprising that the real missiles weren't mounted on the plane, and because only flight characteristics was tested, Saab used what isn't live missiles, but dummies, to capture the geometry and weight, according to de la Motta. The new wing will also later look basically the same. And the pilots did not want to try the fuel tanks, it is also wrong.

-It is claimed that only seven of 98 required improvements. It is totally wrong. We have fixed 93 percent of requirements. Some are already present Gripen C / D level, otherwise during testing. We are prepared to deliver the plan, four years after the contract has been signed, says de la Motta.

Two completely different versions that is. If so much is wrong, why are you taking no action against the newspapers?
-No, probably we won't do it.

How do you interpret that this negative data is distributed?
-It is not uncommon that, things like this happen, especially when you are in a good position in a deal like this, says de la Motta who do not believe that this has any effect on the deal with Switzerland.

Some argue that there are interests in Switzerland who wants to Gripen in a bad light to get the country to refrain from buying new fighter aircraft, or to convince the military to buy French Rafale instead. There are always games behind the scenes on major arms deals, and it's hard to say how the latest leaks fit this game.

Thomas Hurter, chairman of the parliamentary sub-commission investigating the government's selection of Gripen correctness, is not very fond of the leaks.

-It does not help when this kind of information leaks. It is deeply troubling, and we do not know where the data comes. I'm going to investigate who leaked the secret information, said Thomas Hurter to SvD Business.

Does the data, such as that only seven of 98 required measures have been taken on the plane that test flight?
-I can't answer yes or no. We are finishing our investigation which will be completed in a month, answers Hurter.

Swiss Defence Minister Ueli Maurer, however upheld its decision to purchase 22 Gripen aircraft, in spite of "those damn leaks" as he calls the acclaimed Journal of the data.

-Apparently there are people in my department who do not like the Gripen. I will examine the data, no smoke without fire. But it's Gripen or nothing, says defense minister.

http://www.svd.se/naringsliv/bransch...er_7212637.svd
http://translate.google.com/translat...37.svd&act=url

Could it be that "Delta assault" wants to trash the Gripen as much as possible to make sure they land F-X2 aswell? My guess is that they are since the Swiss deal is just as heavy as the M-MRCA considering the Swiss air force are replacing their F-5's with Gripens which were good enough and the best bang-for-the-buck.

[Upandaway]

(sorry in advance for the non-news comment)

I think that the fierce campaign in Switzerland has a lot to do with it being the first nation to go for the E/F version. In doing so, they helped transform what could previously be seen as a "paper plane" into something much more real... Before, there were the blueprints, a wobbly promise from the Swedish parlament and a demonstrator. Now, things are much more solid and SAAB has a much more persuasive case to make, with a very significant vote of confidence in the design. Who, after all, can seriously doubt that the neutral and efficient clockwork-making Swiss made an objective choice?

But since the Swiss will have a referendum on this issue, there is probably the hope that the people of Switzerland will reject the Gripen if enough doubt can be injected into the process. I don't think D'assult or anyone else think they can win this, but they *can* prevent a troublesome competitor from emerging.