Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
The Swedish defence ministry is planning upgrade programmes for the Saab JAS39 Gripen, which go beyond the third batch of aircraft ordered recently.
The country's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) formally placed the order on 26 June, which include improvements to the third batch and possible retrofits to first- and second-batch aircraft (Flight International, 25 June-1 July).
According to Saab, the batch-three Gripens will include colour multi-function displays, full-authority digital engine-control units, and optional in-flight refuelling capability. They will be close to the export-standard Gripen.
Col Claes Wrefors, director of Gripen international programmes at the FMV, says that a programme will also be run to explore the aircraft's growth potential.
The investigation will look at phased-array radar and other sensor technology, thrust vectoring, alternative powerplants and future weapons systems.
"We are looking with interest at all new weapons programmes, and very particularly at European weapons programmes," says Wrefors, who adds that specific programmes will only be named once air-force requirements become clear. He says that the new technology will be implemented after 2003, to maintain the Gripen "on the technological front line".
The FMV has ordered 50 single-seat aircraft and 14 two-seat variants in the third batch, along with support equipment and spare parts. The aircraft will be delivered between 2003 and 2007.
Source: Flight International