PAUL LEWIS / RIO DE JANEIRO
Austria has received two new unsolicited proposals by Saab/BAE Systems and the Swedish government, offering the choice of a reduced number of new Gripen fighters or leased remanufactured Swedish air force aircraft. Both are pitched as lower-cost alternatives to the Eurofighter Typhoon selected earlier by Vienna, but which has not yet been ordered.
Saab/BAE Systems has revised its offer to Austria, reducing from 24 to 18 the number of new Gripens offered in line with the proposed reduced Typhoon purchase. With a recent change in government and popular opinion opposed to the $2.7 billion Eurofighter deal, parliamentary approval to fund the acquisition is in question. Sweden's procurement agency FMV is offering Austria an even lower-cost alternative, based on the renegotiated lease deal with Hungary.
"Austria's fleet of [Saab] Drakens will be phased out in late 2005 and they will need something before then as a replacement," says Lt Gen Kent Harrskog, defence ministry senior adviser and former chief of the Swedish air force, speaking to Flight International during the LAD '03 defence show in Brazil.
"They can take six of our Gripen aircraft and start flying immediately, "he adds. "Almost all of Austria's pilots are also current on the [JAS37] Viggen and so can handle a Swedish cockpit."
In February, Hungary concluded a 10-year lease deal for 14 improved Gripens, equivalent to Sweden's JAS39C/D version, with the option to buy. The aircraft will be drawn from 40 JAS39As Gripens. The aircraft will be upgraded with new-build fuselages and cockpits, but retain the wing, General Electric F404 powerplant and canopy for delivery in 2006.
Source: Flight International
