Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
The supreme commander of the Swedish armed forces, Gen Owe Wiktorin, has proposed cutting the final number of Saab JAS39 Gripen squadrons from 12 to 10, as a cost-cutting measure. Reduced flying by the remaining Gripen squadrons would save the service around SKr 150 ($18 million) a year.
Saab and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) insist this does not mean a cut in the number of aircraft to be ordered, and deny Swedish newspaper reports that two squadrons of Gripens - 34 aircraft - could be mothballed under the proposal.
The air force still plans to buy the full three batches of 204 JAS39s, including 28 two-seat aircraft, says the FMV. "This is only a suggestion, and no decision has been made," it adds. A final decision on cost cuts could come early next year, according to the Swedish manufacturer.
Another possible plan involves accelerating the retirement of the air force's Saab Viggens, 70 of which are being upgraded to remain in service until 2006. Aircraft withdrawn from service could then be offered for lease as an interim solution to potential Gripen export customers. The plan envisaged for the JA37 Viggen would have allowed it to use the same weapons as the Gripen.
Source: Flight International
