Gripen News Thread

[signatory]

Aviation Week abt the Netherlands

[...]

Jack de Vries, the Dutch state secretary for defense procurement:

"Saab has recently announced that a new version of Gripen is being developed, Gripen Next Generation, information on which so far is limited to what has been published in open sources. We will investigate this Next Generation variant in the coming months, particularly to assess the developments compared with the previous Gripen version. To do this, we need cooperation from the manufacturer, and we have contacted the company to ask for the information required."

De Vries says that provided the Gripen Next Generation meets the minimum requirements, it will be reviewed using the latest insights.

link

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A Hungarian Gripen will fly in the large Bastille Day formation over Paris 14th of July. Info


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Romanian TV Report

Antena 1 visited the Saab factory and Vidsel base for a report on Gripen and the two Saab employed Romanians who work on the new Demo jet which is also briefly shown in the video with "wheels up". A odd mix of old and new video...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM4Zbs2WbE0

Saab offers Gripen to Switzerland

[2008-07-02 14:00]

Saab has today submitted a Gripen proposal to Switzerland. The proposal was handed over to the Swiss department for procurement of technologically complex systems and defence technology, armasuisse, in Berne.

The proposal is a response to the Request for Proposal (RFP) which armasuisse issued January 7, 2008. Switzerland has a need to replace its fighter aircraft F-5E/F Tiger and Gripen is one of three potential suppliers. The exact number of required aircraft has not been disclosed by armasuisse.

Saabs CEO Åke Svensson is delighted over the Swiss interest in Gripen: "Switzerland is yet another example of the strong interest for Gripen worldwide. Our proposal meets all the requirements put forward by armasuisse. The Gripen proposal offers Switzerland the most cost-effective and proportionate replacement for the F-5E/F and moreover a perfect force fit with existing F/A-18 C/D. The proposal also features long-term viable industrial co-operation at 100 per cent of the contract value."

link

Gripen.com Release

A great interest in Gripen

International interest in Gripen is greater than ever before. Today Saab submitted the proposal to Switzerland. Recently Saab has also received requests from Brazil and the Netherlands.


Image: Katshuhiko Tokunaga.

2008-07-02 | Switzerland is interested in purchasing new aircraft to replace their F-5E Tigers. A proposal was submitted today and during the course of the year Gripen and its competitors, Rafale and Eurofighter, will participate in evaluations in Switzerland. Gripen’s evaluation will take place during July and August.

Marketing activities worldwide

Gripen has had an intensive first half of the year with marketing activities operating in parallel in 20 countries. On the 28th April tenders were submitted to both Norway (through the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV) and India, and recently the Brazilian Air Force has restarted the process of renewing its aircraft fleet. Saab is one of five aircraft manufacturers who have been invited to submit information.

The Netherlands and India

In addition, the Netherlands recently turned to Saab with requests regarding Gripen. Like Norway and Denmark, the Royal Netherlands Air Force operates F-16 fighters and is involved in the American JSF-project (Joint Strike Fighter).

In addition to the Gripen response submitted in April, Saab will also submit an industrial cooperation proposal to the Indian government at the beginning of August.

“The increasing international interest is evidence of the confidence in the Gripen programme. The last few years have been extremely successful, and the world has realised that Saab is a long term player that will be driving the development of fighter aircraft over the next 40 years,” says Gripen International’s marketing manager Bob Kemp.

link

Saab signs cooperation agreements with Rheinmetall Schweiz and Pilatus Aircraft

[2008-07-02 14:10]

Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understandings regarding industrial cooperation with Rheinmetall Schweiz AG and Pilatus Aircraft. Both agreements are connected to a possible Swiss acquisition of the Gripen fighter aircraft.

link

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FORBES

"Those interested in international investing should put Saab on their radar screen."

Beltway Bet
Defensive Defense Stock: Saab

With rising energy prices threatening commercial aviation, aerospace and defense stocks haven't fared well in the global equities downturn. Year-to-date, according to an index tallied by FactSet Research Systems, the stocks of aerospace and defense companies worldwide have dropped 19% in dollar terms, versus an aggregate decline of 14% across all sectors globally.

At least one aerospace and defense stock, however, has bucked the year-to-date trend: Saab, the Swedish maker of military aircraft, aviation components and command and control systems. The share price for the Stockholm-headquartered company, not to be confused with the auto brand now owned by General Motors (nyse: GM - news - people ), is up 17% so far in 2008.

Even with the uptick, Saab still looks cheap. Its Stockholm-listed shares sell for just 10 times the average analyst estimate for 2009 earnings per share. Contrast that with equivalent multiples of 12 for Lockheed Martin (nyse: LMT - news - people ) and 13 for Raytheon (nyse: RTN - news - people ). Those interested in international investing should put Saab on their radar screen.

"In this turbulent time, we believe investors will appreciate this type of company more and more," says Mikael Laséen, a Stockholm-based analyst at Kaupthing Bank, speaking of Saab. "It is of course a political risk, but clearly you don't have to worry about the business cycle and consumer spending that much."

Why isn't consumer spending too big a concern? For one thing, 81% of the company's $3.6 billion in 2007 revenues was from military customers. Beyond its flagship Gripen fighter jet, Saab makes military systems such as airborne surveillance systems (Pakistan is a customer); an anti-armor weapon that has been bought by 40 countries; and unmanned aerial vehicles, including an unmanned helicopter in development.

Saab does have some commercial exposure to two high-profile programs that have suffered delays: the 787 jet from Boeing (nyse: BA - news - people ) and Airbus' A380. Yet if revenues from those programs failed to materialize, by Laséen's reckoning the result would be at most a 5% dent in Saab's 2009 sales.

As for political risk, Laséen points to a cloudy outlook for European defense budgets, particularly for Saab's hometown customer, Sweden. He expects Swedish military budgets to drop by a couple of percentage points.

But that decrease, he suggests, should gradually take place over the course of a few years. Meanwhile, Laséen sees pockets of export potential for Saab, particularly for its Gripen fighter. Potential buyers: Brazil, Norway, Romania and Switzerland. Brazil is looking to order three dozen fighter jets, a number that could potentially rise to 120, with a proposal likely at the end of July.

Saab faces competition in these bids. The Gripen goes up against jets like Lockheed's F-16, the F/A-18 from Boeing and the Typhoon from BAE Systems (other-otc: BAESF.PK - news - people ), as well as Russian and French offerings.

The competitive challenge hasn't spooked security analysts covering Saab. Of the eight reporting on the stock to Thomson Financial, six have bullish ratings. The consensus figure estimate among them for Saab's year-over-year earnings growth stands at 8% for 2009 and 7% for 2010.

What might help that growth along? One is a push into the U.S. market. Last week, Saab announced a partnership with Sensis, an up-and-coming U.S. air surveillance concern, to promote Saab's radar systems. "This cooperation will remove barriers for future sales," said Saab Vice President Lennart Joelsson in a statement. (Saab, citing an upcoming earnings release, declined to speak with Forbes on the deal.)

The accompanying table shows Saab and other international aerospace and defense concerns, all with current price-to-earnings ratios below five-year averages. From the table, we would suggest stocking up on Saab and BAE Systems, thanks to their relatively small exposure to commercial aerospace

link

[Herman the II]

Thanks for the update, enjoyed the reading as usual.
I have read that the Gripen test/evaluation procedure in Switzerland will start on the 28. July (ongoing till 22. August), do you have any info what exact versions will be flying over there? Will it be two JAS 39D?

[JohanGrön]

I think it will be two JAS 39D used for the evaluations, both ground and flight tests. One pilot from armasuisse or Swiss Air Force and one from SAAB for every testflight. See link by signatory earlier in this thread :

Flight and ground tests
During the tests around 30 flights per candidate are carried out. For this purpose each manufacturer provides 2 two-seaters in the configuration requested by armasuisse. The aircraft are flown by test pilots of armasuisse and the Swiss Air Force in the presence of a test pilot from the manufacturer. As a rule the flights are performed from the Emmen airbase. The airbases of Meiringen, Sion and Payerne are also used. The test scenarios are identical for all three candidates.

link (signatorys link) link (another one)

Erieye
It's also rumoured that Malaysia will aquire the Erieye radar :

Malaysia has choosen the SAAB Erieye radar. The purchase is in the countrys defense material plan confirms SAAB:s vice president Erik Löwenadler to Dagens Industri.
The business is worth 7 billon SKR and comprises four airborne radar systems.

link (In swedish)

[Clearday-TRForce]

Why don't you Polish people take your usual Gripen hate somewhere else.

Good question Thor...have you asked same question to yourself?

ahh forget it, well-known issues.


Dear Gripen thread openers?

- Could you tell me the main details about Gripen? what are the advantages and disadvantages against F35 - SU 30 - F16 B50+ -Rafael - EF 2000?
why must some big countries choose this fighter? I mean India,Turkey,Greece,Pakistan...

if they do not desire to put Gripen to tender lists, should it be only explained by politics,economics,specs,efficiency or all?

such as what is the probability for Turkey to choose these fighters? if not, why? only well-known USA affairs? or?

[signatory]

Dear Gripen thread openers?

Heya,

First, very easily put Gripen is a small multirole jet with a primary role as air defense fighter. And especially for a country that fly just one type of jet. (light/medium type) I.e like a single-engine version of Rafale or Eurofighter. The lower unit price and lower operating costs is there to enable a country to fly more jets on a smaller budget. Kind of like the F-16 has been a better seller than the heavier F-15s. They do not really compete because they offer different advantages...

The current Gripen is lighter than F-16 and so far has replaced Viggen, MIG-29, Cheetah, F-5 and MIG-21 on the market but the new version take care of those lighter worries and also bridge the gap towards the larger jets so countries like Denmark, Norway, Brazil and Netherlands now look at Gripen again. India and Greece is looking at Gripen. Pakistan is otoh not compatible with Swedish export regulations (they asked for jets a few years ago but was turned down) for that type of weapons system.

I think Turkey is too deep into its future plans to even consider the new version of Gripen which was just rolled out (the current version is probably too light for Turkey) but basically it could replace F-16s and add new capabilities. I don't want to explain too much but just think of the new Gripen as a lighter Rafale but with avionics more like those onboard a JSF and ready around 2013-2015.

+ it's a more open system politically which some countries like. This was mentioned in the tender to india...

"The Gripen IN will provide India with a capability that offers complete independence of weapon supply. We will do this by transferring all necessary technologies to enable Indian industry and the air force to build, operate and modify Gripen to meet all indigenous requirements over time. " - GI

Anyway that's some general info...

For arguments/comparisions and such discussions this new thread is much better.

[signatory]

There seems to be a unwritten rule that almost everything new has to show at least some problems. If it's a Stealth fighter locking its pilot inside the aircraft for no reason or just...

Tanker POD annoyances !

Not having access to dedicated tankers Sweden want to train their Gripen pilots for aerial refueling using a C-130 with tanker kit so they can more effectively participate on international missions and exercises.



Sweden is launch customer for a new 'all electrical' refueling pod from Cobham (former Flight Refueling) the 904E.

Airbus Military has also selected the 904E pods for the A400M.



The first integration tests on a SwAF C-130 with Gripens were done year-end 2005 with Cobham talking about a great success after the six sorties.

Allan Cook, Cobham Chief Executive, said, “The success of these trials shows the reliability and robustness of Cobham’s fourth generation air refuelling systems on tanker and receiver platforms.” link

On the Swedish side issues were found that Cobham didn't talk so much about. Recently another tanker campaign was held to test modifications to the software, hoses etc but despite the modifications, new findings suggest there's still several problems to sort out on the C-130 kit until the airforce can receive a reliable and robust system.

Perhaps more cooperation with France is in order...


Swedes probing the French...

link

This delay and more or less no other access to tankers has led to a delay in getting pilots certified for aerial refueling. Alongside with the tanker tests a training package is being verified for the upcoming pilot training.

Lieut. Col. Carl-Johan (Klute) Edstrom discussed this with AW this week:

The Swedes do not yet have inflight refueling capability. "Recurring technical problems" with Sweden's C-130-based national tanker program, and a lack of availability of other nations' tankers, have meant that pilots have not been able to practice and become proficient.

In Red Flag, the small Swedish jets, not known for their long range, will therefore fly with three under-wing ferry tanks in order to have as much mission endurance as possible, says Edstrom. "We'll have to pay a penalty in terms of maneuverability but so be it," he says.

To get to Nevada, the Gripens will stage through multiple airfields in Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Canada and the U.S. for refueling.

Falthammar says the SwAF is exploring a range of options to obtain tankers for inflight refueling training. "We're studying a proposal from Saab for a contractor-operated tanker capability. [U.S.-based] Omega Air Refueling is another option. But it's too early to say we're going forward with this; we like to do this one step at a time."

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ReCon POD Annoyances

And another new design is presenting some problems; the Terma/Saab modular recon pod. Specifically in the Terma supplied Environmental Control System.

The squadron's focus has been on the SwAF's new Rafael/Zeiss Litening III targeting pod and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs. Seven Litening pods are now in service with a similar number expected to arrive next year, says Col. Torgny Falthammar, chief of air combat requirements in the Swedish armed forces headquarters.

At Nellis, the unit will drop up to eight live GBU-12s while it will also use live 27-mm. ammunition to strafe ground targets, says Edstrom.

The new recce pod, however, will not be used. So far, these have been concentrated at Sweden's other frontline fighter wing, the F17 Wing at Ronneby in the south. However, problems with the pod's environment control system have led to availability being poor, Falthammar says, adding that he's "not happy with this."

When asked, Edstrom admits that if he had to take the SE 01 rapid reaction unit out to a real contingency operation today, he would leave the recce pods at home and just take the Litening targeting pods.

The full AW article can be found here.

It's MP.Net Promo Time!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLRU5Ej7o74

[Herman the II]

Nice video signatory! Good job.

The missing ReCon-pod is bothersome but the Litening III Pod should be able to serve as a interim solution. At least with some basic capabilities (The RAF was quite happy with it).
I didn't knew that the Swedish Gripens still don't have a Link 16 system, that should be a little handicap at "RED FLAG".
Hopefully the problems with that new refueling pod are only related to the C-130 and wont affect the A400M. More delays because of the pod would really annoy me.
Looking forward for some reports from "RED FLAG".

[signatory]

Nice video signatory! Good job.

Thanks ! Lots of free time on Sundays

The missing ReCon-pod is bothersome but the Litening III Pod should be able to serve as a interim solution. At least with some basic capabilities (The RAF was quite happy with it).

Yeah and they probably flown lots of time in the simulator already using the maps from the exercise area. If you want to read how they prepared for Red flag Alaska this document is pretty nice.

But we've been without the "real" recon capability for too long now... we've had several years of gap between the Viggens and this new pod on Gripen. So it got to be annoying... kind of like buying a new plasma TV only to find out it can't work during hot summer days...

To prepare for this exercise the SwAF decided to train the upcoming Red Flag – Alaska missions in the FLSC simulator. The basic configuration of the FLSC simulator used earlier was kept, adding relevant data from the exercise area including 1000 * 1000 km geographical data, airfields, no fly zones etc. Missions were executed including both the flight to the exercise area, learning the layout of the land, landmarks etc, and started at the execution of the mission. The different scenarios comprised air-to-ground attack, laser guided bombs, ground threats, limited SAM sites. The pilots participating in the Red Flag exercise, trained for a week at FLSC. In
addition to the prepared scenarios a lot of time was spent on actually learning the local geography. Early comments from the Red Flag – Alaska exercise are very encouraging. One of the Pilots said “it felt like
we have already been there.”

FLSC

The FLSC specialises in distributed simulation – linking
many separate simulators on a single combined network.
This allows operators in different locations, even different
countries, to work – and fight – together. At the moment
the FLSC has eight Gripen C/D cockpits set up in its Kista
base, but they can also be reconfigured to perform like any
other modern combat aircraft, friendly or hostile.

One invaluable mission for the FLSC is to support the
Swedish Air Force’s interoperability training. For the last
three years all SwAF pilots have undergone a multi-week
course at the FLSC to train them with the procedures of
international peace support operations – such as how to
handle rules of engagement, how to work with standardised
air tasking orders and mastering new systems such
as the Link 16 datalink

I didn't knew that the Swedish Gripens still don't have a Link 16 system, that should be a little handicap at "RED FLAG".

Yeah well atleast they got the NATO IFF, ILS and JTIDS nato radio system which is a subsystem of Link-16 so they got the really important bits.

They do major system upgrades every 3 year, with smaller updates in between so at end 2008/year start 2009 it's time for version 19 which will see HMD, IRIS-T, full Link-16 etc being operative in the SwAF...

Currently running in Gripen’s avionics simulator, full Link 16 certification is planned for 2008. Implementation of the new datalink will take advantage of the SEK1 billion (USD139 million) Version 19 systems upgrade that was announced in 2006.

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07/07/08
SOURCE:Flight International

Saab's Gripen Demo aircraft, intended as a bridge to the next generation version of the fighter, has completed its third test flight, and is expected to log between 40 and 60 by year-end, as the project builds towards its second phase.

In its Phase I guise the demonstrator incorporates a new landing gear and weapons pylons, plus a General Electric F414G engine. Phase II upgrades will include a new modular avionics system, which Saab says will use layers and partitions to isolate system components and separate flight-critical from mission functions.

Other enhancements will include increased internal fuel capacity and a 1,700 litre (450USgal) external fuel tank, integration of small diameter bombs, enhanced satellite communications and a broadband datalink, an active electronically scanned array radar and missile approach warners.

link

[JohanGrön]

Thanks for the information signatory! I especially liked the pdf on the simulators at FLSC. Here's the mandatory accompaning powerpoint slides


-------------------------------------------
Gripen Demo

Phase II upgrades will include a new modular avionics system, which Saab says will use layers and partitions to isolate system components and separate flight-critical from mission functions.

A more elaborate explanation of the new avionics system following the ARINC 653 integrated modular avionics standard to be incorporated in the Gripen Demo aircraft can be read here (from the official Gripen site). It's explained on page 6 (of 7) in the pdf.

[Jonsson8]

Seems as Gripen sales and marketing senior vice-president Bob Kemp has some potentional new customers in mind, naming Malaysia and Switzerland, and also that other potentional NG Gripen customers might include Canada, Norway, Denmark and Holland to name a few. He said his goal is to sell 400 Gripen C/D fighters over the next ten years, and 500 NG E/F planes. Full article below.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2041698/posts

[signatory]

Saab receives supplementary orders for Gripen

Saab receives supplementary orders for Gripen
[2008-07-08 14:15]

Saab has received orders from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, FMV, for electronic warfare systems and supplementary weapons pylons for Gripen to a total value of 574 MSEK.

The order for Electronic Warfare Systems (EWS) means that the aircraft will be equipped with antennae, transmitters and computers to interfere with enemy air and ground forces. The order is valued at 324 MSEK and deliveries will be made 2008-2009.

The supplements for weapons pylons means that the aircraft will be able to use GPS equipped weapons systems. The order is worth 250 MSEK and deliveries will take place 2009-2011.

link

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Saab's chairman of the board Marcus Wallenberg has been appointed to the board of Asian investment firm Temasek (.sg) which currently manages a US$108 Bn portfolio.

link

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HUNAF



GI article on the recent AIM-9 trials.

Article

[Herman the II]

The supplements for weapons pylons means that the aircraft will be able to use GPS equipped weapons systems.

So what kind of GPS guided weaponry is the Swedish air-force looking for?
Dual mode like the Enhanced Paveway II ?

[signatory]

So what kind of GPS guided weaponry is the Swedish air-force looking for?
Dual mode like the Enhanced Paveway II ?

I suppose so. So says the roadmap...

JASSM has also been raised as a type down the road. Dual-mode SDB-II should be a candidate too.

[signatory]

Gripen and ETPS Celebrate 10-Year Partnership

The long-running and high-successful co-operation between Gripen and the UK’s prestigious Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) is now in its tenth year and the two partners are preparing to mark the occasion in style.

2008-07-09 | At the same time, the business of training ETPS students on the most advanced fast-jet combat aircraft available to test pilots anywhere in the world continues unabated.

The first ETPS instructor pilots (IPs) flew their first Gripen sorties in 1999. Since then over 90 ETPS IPs and test pilot students from around the world have used Gripen as a key part of their annual fast jet training course. 2008 is no exception. The first phase of this year’s course began in April/May and the second phase will take place in September.

Each course typically comprises three IPs and a group of test pilot students. The ETPS is an international organisation and this year the seven Gripen students are drawn from the UK, Netherlands, Pakistan, Singapore and Switzerland.

Beginning in April, the IPs undertake a course of refresher flying training to requalify them on Gripen. After that, each student flies Gripen for about 11 hours with a parallel course of simulator training. Flight operations are undertaken from Saab’s facility in Linköping, while simulator work is conducted at the Swedish Air Force’s F7 Wing, in Såtenäs.

The ETPS is operated by QinetiQ, Europe’s largest science and technology solutions company, in partnership with the UK MoD. The School provides the UK MoD with fully-qualified military test pilots and it also trains flight test engineers for QinetiQ, along with test pilots and engineers from Commonwealth and other friendly nations.


Photo from Saab 70th anniversary

To mark the continued close working relationship between the Gripen team and ETPS, a series of special events is planned for the summer. The Gripen team and ETPS will again co-host facilities at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), at RAF Fairford in the UK (12-13 July) and to mark the 10 year partnership Gripen 802, the specially marked two-seat aircraft used by ETPS for its flight operations in Sweden - affectionately known as ‘the Painted Lady’ - is to be flown from Sweden to RIAT by ETPS IP Jim Schofield, and will be displayed in the static park at the show. Gripen fighters from the Czech Republic and Hungary will also be on display at the RIAT show, with a Czech fighter taking part in the flying display.

The ETPS/Gripen team will also be taking some commemorative air-to-air photos of Gripen 802, on its inbound flight to the RIAT show, flying over ETPS’ home at Boscombe Down and the historic Stonehenge monument.

In a separate event on the eve of the Farnborough International Air Show, to be attended by many of the world’s leading aviation media, Swedish Air Force Chief General Anders Silwer, will present a specially commissioned painting of Gripen ‘802’ to the ETPS Commanding Officer Phil Hayde, to be displayed in perpetuity at the RAF Club in London.

It should prove to be quite a Summer in the UK!

link

I hope they get to fly low enough to give us some cool photos of stonehenge in the background...

[signatory]

Brazilian contacts


Visby @ Gotland

Today a bilateral ministeral meeting was held between Sweden and Brazil in the city of Visby. Hosted by the Deputy PM she commented to the media the talks would be about industrial relations including discussions about JAS Gripen. The Swedish Defence minister and Saab's CEO was also present in meetings. This evening there's a dinner which will include other companies such as Volvo and ABB.

The Brazilian side was hosted by strategic affairs minister Roberto Mangabeira Unger who commented a deal to buy new jets must cover several areas of cooperation besides just the jets.

Note: Annual Swedish direct investments into Brazil is over 1 Bn USD with already 200 companies employing 50,000 people mainly in industrial manufacturing. Sweden otoh now imports close to half a billion litres of ethanol from Brazil making the country strategically relevant in order to meet EU emission targets.

link

link

Brazilian source

On their way



Tonight the Swedish Gripens heading to RF will spend the night on Iceland. After two more sleep-over stops the jets hope to arrive at Nellis on Monday.

7 x JAS 39C/D, 14 x pilots, 3 x C-130. A total of 93 people.



link


Romania update

The Defence minister said this week the decision to buy new fighter jets will go through the Parliament. Talks with the candidates is planned to begin this summer. A decision will happen either before the November elections or some time after into 2009.

link

Aw: Innovative Strokes for Readiness

Jul 10, 2008
By James Ott/Overhaul & Maintenance

[...]

Saab Gripen's Aftermarket Program Pools Resources

Unique and simple in conception, the aftermarket program for the Saab Gripen is meeting availability targets for the Swedish air force as well as the air forces of the Czech Republic and Hungary. Saab acts as the primary integrator for the aftermarket program, maintaining stores of parts and rotables from suppliers that are pooled for use by each of the clients.

But the arrangement goes deeper than pooling. Saab operates shops in Linkoping, Sweden, where maintenance, repair and overhaul work is centered for both military and commercial aircraft. Its aftermarket program operates through the Swedish armed forces.

"A lot of aftermarket programs are similar in scope," said Tony Bjorklund, vice president of the Gripen support program. "They cover delivery, integration, optimization, etc., but the Gripen program is different because it is not a pure Saab program. It is a joint program with Saab, its industrial partners and original equipment manufacturers, and it is joint with the Swedish air force. We sell our aftermarket program through the Swedish armed forces." More than 200 aircraft have been delivered. The newest customer, South Africa, received the first of 26 Gripens in May. Under a 2008 contract, Thailand will take delivery of six.

[...]

link to full article


Danish contract

DLTS (Danish Learning & Training Systems) has signed a contract with Saab to deliver computer aided logistics training for the Gripen NG. The system is like a computer game which makes it possible to practice engine change etc in simulator.

The contract is valued at DKr 6 m but could grow to DKr 80 m if Denmark selects the jet for its airforce.

link

Gjøvik University College

Saab AB signed a intention deal with a Norwegian University to sponsor high tech R&D projects. Connected to a Gripen deal.

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Saab ad in Norwegian "Offisersbladet"...



'North - Norway - Nato'...

Btw. The only new western fighter that can carry two 2000-lb laser-guided bombs on the centre fuselage.. keeping wings clear for fuel or w/e.