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Yeah! I didn't know that either, quite amazing actually!
Yeah! I didn't know that either, quite amazing actually!
Empire Test Pilots´School Gripen fast jet students complete their 2008 flying training campaign in Linköping, Sept 2008
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Saab investment in Croatia
"Sweden's Saab corporation, the manufacturer of combat aircraft Gripen, is opening a representative office in Zagreb soon, and has already signed agreements to offset with eight prominent Croatian companies", reveals Ulf Rudebark, director of Gripen campaign for the job in Croatia worth 700 million euros.
Article (in croat)
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Fraud investigators raid BAE agent's Austria home
British investigations into BAE, Britain's biggest arms company, appear to have revived today after it was disclosed that a key BAE agent has been raided.
Investigators from the Serious Fraud Office arranged for the agent, Count Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly, to be raided in Austria.
The Guardian
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Saab has requested non-financial export support for the Gripen India Campaign from the Swedish Defence Agency FMV.
No reasons given, but we know practical aircraft evaluations and Aero India '09 is soon upon us...
link
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Romania rejects Czech bid in sale of aircraft maker
Saab's new partner Aero Vodochody couldn't conclude a deal before a deadline and now the state owned aircraft firm Avioane Craiova SA is to be put up for sale again.
Saab has previously said they will only take over Avioane Craiova SA if Romania also buy Gripen fighters.
News
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...Situational Awareness special...
A financial crisis ? Saab owner is prepared.
The Swedish Wallenberg foundations control through direct/indirect ownership over 51% of the votes in Saab AB. The majority ownership is held through the firm Investor AB.
Recently they spoke to the media. To sum up, some 2 years ago Investor AB saw a future financial crisis and decided to build up a large cash reserve and a smaller portion of acquired loan gurantees for future investments. That available investment capital is now close to 7 billion USD, money they hope can be spent as good opportunities arise. Having this cash means Investor can directy buy a larger portion of shares without the usual share-swapping and loans often seen in take over attempts.
Another firm in the Investor group is the bank SEB (clients today: 5,4 million of which 400,000 companies) who last year contributed 80% of the 1,2 Billion NOK investment SAAB made into the Norwegian industry holding company Aker Holding AS (majority owner in Aker Solutions ASA.).
That move illustrates how investments relevant to Saab can not only be drawn from Investor but also selected companies in the network. This could be programs such as providing attractive loans to countries looking to buy Gripen jets while other international banks is unwilling. Other companies in the Investor group such as Ericsson, SKF and Electrolux support Saab with offset deals.
SEB also own about 3% of SAAB. SEB like the other Swedish banks is in a strong position running not just a profitable business (like the strong Swedish state finances sporting a budget surplus at 25 Bn USD) but also with significant reserves to handle unforseen credit losses. They too is looking to expand by take-over tactics, mainly in Germany and 'eastern Europe'. SEB's CEO Annika Falkengren is ranked the 7:th most powerful business woman by FORTUNE Magazine. SEB was founded 1856 by A.O Wallenberg (grand father of Raoul Wallenberg).
Investor itself was created in 1916 as SEB moved its equity holdings. The Wallenberg investments into the arms industry began 1896 as their bank SEB provided bank credits in a move by the original owners to re-aquire the Bofors company from the estate of industrialist Alfred Nobel.
A century later in 1999, Bofors was eventually split up and the business unit Saab Bofors Dynamics was established under Saab. Today the unit support the Gripen program with projects such as METEOR BVR missile developments and integration.
I.E., money talks.
China's President Hu Jintao (R), talks to Peter Wallenberg (L), head of the Wallenberg family, 10 June 2007. at Haga Slott, a palace just north of Stockholm where the presidential couple stayed during their three-day official visit to Sweden
Last edited by signatory; 10-01-2008 at 08:39 PM.
Gripen on another short list
The Brazilian Air force has slimmed down the F-X2 candidates to three jets after evaluating the six RFI proposals and the Gripen made the cut. Rejected: Sukhoi SU-35, Eurofighter Typhoon and LM F-16BR.
The field is now narrowed down to Boeing's Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale and our darling the JAS Gripen Next Generation.
On stake is a initial sale of 36 jets with options totalling a order of up to 120 aircraft. Technology transfer is a very important factor for any deal.
Link
OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY FAB
Finally a English link. (And apparently they didn't select the Gripen... they went with the evil twin "Grippen"... )
---Brazil Air Force Announces Shortlist For FX2 Fighter Project
Wednesday October 1st, 2008 / 19h20
SAO PAULO -(Dow Jones)- The Brazilian Air Force on Wednesday announced a shortlist of three candidates for the FX2 project to renew its fighter fleet, it said in a statement.
The finalists are the Boeing's (BA) F-18 E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Aviation's (12172.FR) Rafale-C and Saab's (SAAB-B.SK) Grippen NG.
They are competing for an initial order of 36 planes, which will come into service in 2014.
link
Gripen fighters – Up where they belong
Colonel Petr Mikulenka is the Base Commander for Cáslav Air Base in the Czech Republic that today operates Gripen multi-role fighters which have replaced its fleet of MiG-21 interceptors. From 1998 he was responsible for the introduction of the Gripen system into the Czech Air Force and also the Czech Air Force programme to join NATO.
Colonel Mikulenka was also one of the first Gripen instructor pilots in the Czech Air Force. From a force Commander and pilots’ perspective, Colonel Mikulenka knows all about what is required for fighter aircraft operations on the front line.
Czech Gripen fighter soars over St.Stephane airfield in Switzerland. Photographer: Peter Liander
2008-10-01 | As the 2005 calendar flipped over from 30 June to 1 July, the Czech Air Force shifted into a new era in one fluid motion. Over the course of one duty day the Czechs stood down their veteran MiG-21 interceptor force and brought their brand new Gripen multi-role fighters directly into service. Backed by a fully trained pilot and engineer corps, the Czech Gripens were immediately declared to the NATO air defence system and stood ready on 24-hour quick reaction alert (QRA).
The Czechs began full-scale flight operations with their Gripens on 1 May, about two weeks after the first aircraft were delivered. A cycle of QRA training sorties was initiated that saw the Gripens chalk up around 300 sorties for QRA preparation and qualification alone, over four months. In the middle of that process the aircraft went ‘live’ and never once was a planned sortie abandoned because of an aircraft problem.
Validation came on 1 July 2005 when, effectively one year after contract signature, armed Gripens stood on alert at Casláv Air Base in the Czech Republic. To date, the Czech Air Force has flown approximately 4800 hours in 5100 missions and more than 50% of these hours and missions are with the Gripen C (single seater) from the QRA.
“I will be honest with you”, says Colonel Mikulenka, “we looked at this transition plan and wondered – is it possible? But we believed. Moving to the Gripen is not just about the aircraft, it’s a whole new system. Everything changes - our rules, our whole approach - but in the end, it was just another normal working day. We finished with the MiG-21’s and minutes later we were working with the Gripens. There was no buffer zone. Yes, it took a lot of preparation, but we did it for real. No cheating. We are fully integrated into NATO.”
Col.Petr Mikulenka. Base Commander, Casláv Air Base, Czech Republic.
Photographer: Peter Liander
The ongoing training requirement, the QRA mission and the regular sustainment flying schedule makes Casláv a very busy place. For the QRA mission, we maintain two jets on 24-hour alert, with pilots, plus a spare aircraft. To keep the QRA guys up to speed we fly a programme of practice scrambles, or ‘Tango scrambles’ – four sorties, morning and evening. We share the QRA mission in our region with the Luftwaffe at Neuburg (flying F-4F Phantoms of Jager Gestwader 74). When they are on alert we do our Tango scrambles and when we are on alert they do their training flying.”
A detailed set of training objectives are worked into each Tango scramble. The Gripens will rehearse their intercept procedures with other Czech Air force aircraft before breaking-off for other tasks. This could include navigation training, low-level flying or formation work. There will always be air combat manoeuvring: either 1 versus 1 or 2 versus 1 scenarios between the Gripens.
“We are doing a lot of dog fighting” says Mikulenka. “The Gripen has changed Czech Air Force operations in ways that are not always obvious, but which have a sizeable effect on Air Force capabilities”, says Mikulenka. “We are flying non-stop during the winter. The Gripen is perfect for winter ops. In the air with the MiG-21 we had a 1,000 ft standard minima in bad weather. In a Gripen it’s 200 ft – the leap in technology makes a difference at every level”.
If anyone asks for proof that Gripen has been a successful fighter for the Czech Republic its enough to mention the amount of hours we are flying. Our pilots in the Gripen squadron get about 160 flight hours per year. Since Gripen was introduced in the summer of 2005 we have flown more than 5, 500 missions. That is big numbers for us, and I think, for most air forces. This accomplishment gets even bigger considering the fact that the first year we only had 8 pilots, the second year it increased to 14 pilots and now we are about 20 Gripen pilots in the Czech Air Force.
The first half year after the introduction of Gripen those 8 pilots, and I was lucky to be one of them, flew almost 1, 000 missions. We could have flown more but we were just too tired. We flew 7 days a week, in operations and at air shows. There was such a big interest, everybody wanted to see us. Looking at the time line, one year after the contract was signed with the Swedish Government we were flying the aircraft in the Czech Republic; that is unbelievable.
We became the first to use Gripen C/D fighters in NATO Quick Reaction Alert in July 2005. Day and night, every day of the year we are on 15 minutes standby with 2 aircraft. On average, we do 3 scrambles per weekday and 2 per day on weekends, most of them for training. With the ILS system Gripen has, we can fly in almost any weather day and night. Another kind of NATO mission that is the first time for us is that in 2009, we will be in the rotation to perform QRA over the Baltic States, at the same time as we also have the QRA over Czech territory. We don´t foresee any problems because with 14 Gripen aircraft, we can be at two places at the same time and accomplish this mission.
Another ‘first’ for the Czech Air Force was when we took part in the ‘North Arrow’ exercise at the Vidsel range in the north of Sweden. That was the first time in Czech history that we launched ‘live’ Sidewinder IR-missiles. We launched the Sidewinders both from the wing-tip and from one of the underwing pylons, with 100 % success. I have launched a lot of Russian weapons before but this was a milestone for me personally. A bit special for the Czech Air Force was that we used the two-seater Gripen D for the live firing. Since both front and rear seats are similar in Gripen, this gave two pilots instead of one the chance to get the experience of firing live missiles, and that saves money.
Col. Mikulenka touches down at St.Stephane Airfield in Switzerland. Photographer: Peter Liander
The Czech Air Force is looking more and more to international co-operation. Of course we have a good co-operation with the Swedish Air Force, but we also have squadron exchanges with Belgium with their F-16 and Germany with Tornado. Now we are looking at doing exchanges with German Eurofighters and we have also had exchanges with the Slovak Air Forces. Our Gripen aircraft have taken part in exercises with the German Luftwaffe and the UK‘s Royal Air Force. From as early as 2005, we started to take Gripen to different air shows and we now have our own Czech Gripen display pilot.
All this with only one squadron of 14 Gripen C/D. But one has to remember, Gripen is not just an aircraft, it’s a system. We are saving a lot of money by using Gripen simulators as evaluation and training tools. The support system is excellent, 2005 was the first time in my career I did not have to worry about spare parts. I spent 17 years with the MiG 21 so it was the love of my life, but Gripen, it’s a whole new dimension.
We are very proud and happy that our government chose the Gripen. We are looking forward to having our whole squadron out there, working with our Alliance partners. We have done a lot of exchange flying and training operations in the past, with our L-159s and our MiGs. But when we go and do it with our Gripens, we are astonishing.”
Link
Last edited by signatory; 10-01-2008 at 05:20 PM.
According to jsfnieuws.nl Saab has now answered all questions in the Dutch RFI and also 100 new questions the Dutch MoD asked on September 12.
Source (in Dutch only)
A little piece of pylon news:
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi...modele=releaseDenel Saab Aerostructures (Pty) Ltd (popularly referred to as DSA), a subsidiary of Denel (Pty) Ltd, outlined the extent of its Gripen fighter contracts with Saab at AAD2008. Saab of Sweden has a minority holding in DSA.
The first contract awarded in 2000 to DSA as part of the Gripen industrial participation contracts was for the design, industrialisation and certification of NATO standard pylons for the jet fighter. This was followed shortly afterwards with a production contract.
DSA’s current order book on this work stands at a total of 300 pylons, of which 220 were delivered. DSA will be contracted to make an additional 80 modified pylons, which brings the total to 380. Modification kits will also be manufactured under a separate order.
Saab and DSA forecast an additional requirement of pylons up to 2013, which implies further work for DSA on the Gripen programme.
Besides the pylon work, DSA has long-standing contracts to manufacture Main Landing Gear Units (MLGU) - essentially the centre fuselage airframe section – as well as rear fuselage sections for Gripens destined for the Swedish Air Force and all export versions.
Modification(kits) for new functionality/weapon?
Another step for the Gripen team in Brazil. Good job. ^ ^
News just keep coming...
Chief of Defence of Romania visit F 7 and the Gripen Centre
On Tuesday the Romanian chief was introduced to SAF wing F 7 activities such as Gripen training, simulators, fighter controllers and saw a Gripen aerial display.
Admiral Ph.D. Gheorghe Marin and Swedish Supreme Commander General Håkan Syrén
F7 Display pilot Henric Holm chat with the VIPs
link
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Commenting yesterday's news.
Saab´s Gripen one alternative as future fighter for Brazil
[2008-10-02 9:00]
The Gripen NG (Next Generation) multi-role fighter is on the short list as one alternative to equip the Brazilian Air Force.
"Our answer to the Request for Information (RFI) that we handed in to the Brazilian Air Force in August includes a fighter that perfectly fits their needs, as well as full support regarding spare parts, logistics and training", explains Bengt Janér, marketing director for Brazil, Gripen International.
Saab´s response also confirms the willingness to include Brazilian industry, share know how, and transfer the most modern technology existing today. The Gripen NG offer from Saab is supported by the Swedish Government.
"We are pleased to be included by the Brazilian Air Force in the ongoing selection process and are ready to submit at very attractive proposal", says Lennart Sindahl, Executive Vice President, Saab.
link
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Spotter photo (c) Tony Osbourne 2008-10-02
Today the Swedish expeditionary wing with 7 x Gripens has arrived at RAF Fairford for scheduled exercises under Joint Warrier 08-2.
Link to RAFUK and Allied forces Tri-service Training for Operations
Under the umbrella of Exercise JW, Exercise CROWN CONDOR (CC) will be executed at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire in order to achieve expeditionary Deployed Operational Training for RAF personnel. This will involve in the region of 1000 RAF personnel deploying to the disused side of the airfield in order to set up and operate an Air Deployed Operating Base (DOB) from a simulated austere location. Once operational, the DOB will accommodate a squadron of Tornado GR4s from 12 Sqn, RAF Lossiemouth and a squadron of Gripen aircraft from 171 Sqn, Swedish Air Force plus associated support personnel drawn from support units throughout the RAF. This is a particularly important exercise for the Tornado GR4 deployment as this will also act as a full mission rehearsal for their forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan in support of Op HERRICK. Exercise CC enables an Expeditionary Air Wing (EAW) to test and adjust its war-fighting procedures in order to be fully prepared for any short notice contingency operations that they may be called upon to support.
Last edited by signatory; 10-02-2008 at 04:16 PM.
The Austrians are at it again:Originally Posted by signatory
After turning the EADS/Eurofighter deal inside out without finding anything they now seem to target BAE and the Gripen.
Count Alfons Mensdorff-Pouilly is charged with bribery in favour of Gripen in Hungary and the Czech Republic. The new investigations are triggered by new information's from Sweden and Hungary. The press is already convinced that he is guilty and the charge is now officially risen.
The Austrian press is jumping up and down, this will get ugly again.
Highly annoying....
http://www.orf.at/080513-24986/?href...txt_story.htmlErmittlungen in Gripen-Affäre
Ende vergangenen Jahres wurde bekannt, dass bei der Staatsanwaltschaft in Wien ein Ermittlungsverfahren gegen Mensdorff-Pouilly im Zusammenhang mit der Gripen-Affäre anhängig ist. Dabei handelt es sich um den Ankauf von 14 Saab-Kampfflugzeugen durch Tschechien und Ungarn.
Die Ermittlungen wurden vor allem aufgrund von Informationen aus Schweden, aber auch aus Tschechien und Ungarn über das Vorliegen möglicher Straftatbestände eingeleitet. Mensdorff-Pouilly wies alle Vorwürfe mehrmals als "haltlose Anschuldigungen" zurück.
Can't see what this link have to do with Gripen news?
It has a lot to do with Gripen as it affects the chances of Norway buying Gripen. And that is also one thing that is discussed in the article.
Trust me it does not increase Gripen chanses to win in Norway. it is just bad journalism from the newspaper in question, it even stated, Gripen won over F-35 in Brasil.
the overall price Norway have to pay for F-35 is unkown, not even LM can give a "fixed" price yet..
signatory - oh snap! thanks for posting!
Yeah there's just too many factors in the price equations to talk about those things without making broad and often silly generalisations. Tabloid press is probably the worst source.... The Gripen package is likely today the most easy to establish a cost factor for over the first 25 years (*) of operation but then what? There can't be a good answer yet. Maybe it will cost more than the JSF after those 25 years so either way the Norwegian gov is faced with risk calculations.
And currencies, in the period April 28 to today, the Norwegian Krona has dropped 0% against the Swedish Krona. Same period, the NOK has dropped a whole 20% against the USD. They look at things like that as well.
(* I say 25 years because based on the preliminary offer Saab made to Denmark, and it's supposed to be similar to the Norwegian one, the customer will more or less only pay for the fuel those first 25 years on top of the package deal.)
SAF Gripens flying out of RAF Fairford during JW08-2/CC. (c) lozza
Mythbusting and Marketing in Denmark
Saab sent out a mail to 86 Danish decision makers to bust some myths about their Next Generation offer.
The text is available on Andreas Krogs blog and is written in Danish.
link to text
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Formal charges were filed on Monday against a 48-year-old engineer who has been held since July on suspicions of industrial espionage against Saab Microwave Systems in Gothenburg.
According to the engineer, a person with the code name Defence Harry had forced him into the blackmail scheme.
link
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Last edited by signatory; 10-06-2008 at 03:15 PM.
Gripen 39C (c) Martin Hronský
The white dot up on the fin is as you know the Rear Antenna Unit for the EWS-39.
The Swedish Defence Agency FMV has made available a new overview on the ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) capability now and planned for the Gripen.
Here's some of that info.
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But that's still not enough... so...
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