JON LAKE
Although the Saab Gripen has been a star of successive Farnborough airshows since its first flying appearance here in 1996, this year marks the SBAC debut of Gripen International.
Gripen International is a new joint venture between Saab and BAE Systems which functions as the prime contracting organisation for marketing, selling and supplying the Gripen to export customers.
Advanced
It was set up on 1 January 2002 to provide a better focused and better co-ordinated structure for exporting the Gripen, which the company proudly describes as being "the most cost-effective fighter in service and available to export customers today".
The aircraft is also arguably the most advanced fighter in service, with its advanced delta canard configuration and fully-digital, fully-automated avionics and systems.
The aircraft's origins as a multi-role fighter for the Swedish air force endowed it with formidable swing-role capabilities, low purchase price and operating costs and the ability to operate from semi-prepared airstrips.
It was also designed to be easily upgraded throughout its service life.
Improved
These features all make the aircraft ideally suited for the post-Cold War world, and the export version of the aircraft incorporates improved NATO-compatible avionics and systems and an 8,000 flying hour life.
These enhance its customer appeal and make it "the most NATO-operable aircraft in NATO", according to its makers.
Gripen International is aggressively pursuing a number of potential customers, offering what it hopes will be a unique blend of value for money, capability and attractive financial terms, including a high level of industrial participation and offset work.
Source: Flight Daily News
