Contract finalized on Gripen's future

Contract finalized on Gripen's future

Saab will upgrade 31 Swedish Gripen aircraft to the latest standard. The
contract with FMV, the Swedish Defence Material Administration, is worth SEK 3.9
billion, also covering a demonstrator programme for Gripen's future development.

The contract, which was signed today, follows decisions taken earlier this year
by the government and the parliament based on a proposal by the Supreme
Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces. Of the total value, approximately SEK 3
billion is a new order for Saab, while the rest consists of investments that had
previously been agreed to.

“The order is a clear sign that Sweden believes in Gripen's future,” says Saab's
CEO Åke Svensson. “The upgrade ensures the Gripen production, and the
demonstrator programme gives us the opportunity to prove Gripen's strong
development capabilities.”

The contract with FMV covers the upgrade of 31 Gripen from the A/B standard to
the latest C/D version. As a result, the Swedish Air Force will have a uniform
Gripen fleet with greater functionality, which will improve cost-effectiveness
and create new opportunities to participate in international missions. The
upgrade begins later this year.
The contract also includes an order for a demonstrator programme for Gripen,
consisting of one aircraft and a ground-based avionics rig. The aim of the
programme is to show Gripen's future capabilities, and it includes, among other
things, a new, more powerful engine, new radar and the capability of carrying
more payload and fuel. 

Besides Saab, a number of leading international companies have chosen to invest
in the programme, including General Electric, Honeywell, Martin-Baker, APPH and
Rockwell Collins. The Norwegian government has also decided to participate in
the development. Saab's commitment to the demonstrator programme alone amounts
to approximately SEK 1 billion.
“The demonstrator programme ensures Gripen's long-term value and takes the
system into the future. It is gratifying that such important players share our
conviction about Gripen's capabilities and future potential,” says Åke Svensson.


For further information, please contact:
Owe Wagermark, Communications Director, Gripen International
Tel: +46 (0) 13-18 18 24, Mobile: +46 (0) 734-18 18 24 
Jonas Lindell, Communications Director, Saab Aerosystems.	
Tel: +46 (0) 13-18 71 73, Mobile: +46 (0) 734-18 71 73
www.saabgroup.com

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