Gripen proposal to Norway delivered

Gripen proposal to Norway delivered

On behalf of the Swedish Government, FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel
Administration) today handed over Sweden's proposal regarding Norway's Future
Combat Aircraft. The 48 Gripen fighters that Sweden has offered to Norway meets
all the requirements that Norway has specified in the request documentation for
the Royal Norwegian Air Force Future Combat Aircraft.

The Gripen fighter for Norway is a true swing-role next generation combat
fighter to meet Norway's needs for the defence of its national territory,
including surveillance of the high North, and participation in international,
multi-national forces. Gripen is fully NATO interoperable, can carry a wide
range of internationally sourced weapons, includes increased combat range and
endurance, additional weapons carriage capability and increased payload, a more
powerful engine and super cruise capability. The proposal also includes a joint
logistic solution and other areas of multinational cooperation that will reduce
the operational cost for both countries.

Besides the operational requirements the Swedish offer meets the Norwegian
requirements regarding life cycle costs, and the Swedish offer includes very low
acquisition, operation and support costs compared to alternative platforms.

-I am proud to say that the offer we have delivered today meets, or exceeds, all
Norwegian operational and other requirements. This has been possible through a
jointly effort between the Swedish Government, FMV and Swedish industry and we
are confident that the Swedish offer is the complete solution to meet Norway's
future combat aircraft requirements, says Gunnar Holmgren, Director General of
FMV.

An integral part of the Swedish offer to Norway is a commitment on the part of
the Swedish Government to operate the same advanced version of the Gripen
fighter aircraft as offered to Norway, in the event that Norway selects Gripen
as its future combat aircraft. This offer creates a win-win situation for both
countries, as they would not only share the development costs for the new
fighter but would also share future enhancements over the future operational
life of Gripen fighter aircraft for the next 30-40 years.

For further information please contact Ulf Lindström, Communications Manager at
FMV, cell phone + 46 70 982 63 96, E-mail: ulf.lindstrom@fmv.se

FMV creates the defence equipment of the future for the total defence
organisation. We identify, propose and introduce innovative, technically
advanced and cost-effective equipment. With high defence and system development
expertise gathered under professional project management, we collaborate with
industry, the total defence organisation and civil authorities, both nationally
and internationally.