Gripen upgrade
Saab, as a partner in the Swedish JAS industry group, has received an SKr1 billion ($136 million) order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration covering continued development of the Gripen fighter. The order covers software upgrades and other work that will be performed at Saab Aerosystems and Saab Aerotech in Linköping as well as at Saab Avitronics in Järfälla and Kista.
Delilah demo
Israel Military Industries (IMI) is developing ground- and ship-launched versions of its Delilah cruise missile. A helicopter-launched version has already been demonstrated on a US Navy helicopter. The Delilah is capable of loitering over its target area, can receive post-launch target location updates, and has a range of 250km (135nm).
Romanian F-16s?
Romania is discussing with Belgium the possible purchase of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighters to upgrade its ageing air force, says Romanian defence minister Teodor Atanasiu. Romania joined NATO in 2004 and hopes to join the European Union next year. It has 106 combat-capable Mikoyan MiG-21s (upgraded to the “Lancer” standard), including 13 two-seat trainers, which are expected to be phased out between 2010 and 2012. Romania last year looked at buying upgraded former Israeli F-16A/Bs in a deal worth $150 million.
Skopje signs
Macedonian defence minister Jovan Manasijevski and European Union High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) Javier Solana have signed an agreement on Macedonia’s participation in an EU military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (EUFOR - Althea), marking the country’s first participation in an EU-led crisis management operation. Skopje will contribute two Elbit Sysems-upgraded Macedonian air force Mil Mi-17 transport helicopters and 17 personnel.
Source: Flight International
