SAAB OUTLINES GRIPEN NG PLAN FOR INDIA

Defence and security company Saab has outlined the Gripen NG concept for India. Saab recently unveiled in Linkoping the Gripen E, its first test aircraft of the next generation Gripen, and has comprehensive plans to further design, develop, manufacture and maintain the aircraft in India through transfer of technology. Gripen E is the variant of Gripen NG that has been selected by Sweden.

Saab has set out a comprehensive plan within India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative, which will include transfer of state-of-theart technology; setting up of an aerospace eco-system in India, including a manufacturing facility; creation of a local supplier base and employment of a well-trained Indian workforce in engineering and manufacturing. Saab’s plan also includes a programme for training people to develop

Over previous versions of the Gripen, the recently unveiled Gripen E has a significantly improved avionics system. The capability to carry more weapons and the improved range performance is possible by a more powerful engine and the ability to carry more fuel. Gripen E is equipped with a highly integrated and sophisticated sensor suite including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Infra Red Search and Track (IRST), Electronic Warfare (EW) suite and data-link technology, which, when combined gives the pilot, and co-operating forces exactly the information needed at all times.

Gripen is, by design, a true multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions under all conditions in any environment. Five nations currently operate Gripen: Sweden, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary and Thailand. Brazil has ordered Gripen and Gripen has also been downselected in Slovakia. Besides that, Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) uses Gripen as platform for test pilot training.