Gripen Campaigns Across the Globe
Gripen is competing in a host of major new fighter procurement programmes worldwide.
(September 1, 2008) -- 2008 has become the busiest year ever for the Gripen sales teams, and their work is only just beginning. The decisions soon to be taken by future customers, and the advent of yet more international requirements and competitions, mean that over the next 12 months the Gripen export programme will get even busier yet. Today, the Gripen team is deeply involved in several ongoing sales campaigns worldwide. The Gripen team has submitted costed and compliant proposals to provide Gripen fighters to customers who have issued Requests For Proposals (RFP). Meanwhile, yet more campaigns are moving towards their formal launch.
The issue of an RFP by a potential customer is a key point in any aircraft sales campaign, as it marks the transition from a customer's initial requirement - often denoted by a Request For Information (RFI) - to a competitive evaluation phase that will lead to a purchase. The Gripen team has recently answered the national RFPs in Denmark, India, Norway and Switzerland. Added to this list is equally important RFI's from Croatia, Brasil.
Denmark
Denmark is one of several European nations now examining its options for a next-generation combat aircraft to replace its F-16 fighters. The Gripen team has been active in Denmark since an RFI was issued there in 2005. In 2007, Saab and Gripen International put forward the Gripen NG proposal. The Gripen NG has evolved along a common path with the Gripen NG for Norway.
India
In April 2008 Saab - acting through its Gripen International business unit - handed over its response to the Indian Ministry of Defence, to meet India's RFP for a new Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force.
The Gripen for India is the next generation of Gripen, an enhanced version of the well proven netcentric warfare Gripen multirole fighter, which has unbeatable low acquisition, operation and support costs. Gripen NG, designated "IN" in India, provides freedom of choice in weapons and sensors and an unrivalled sustained sortie generation rate through high availability. India's requirement for a new advanced agile combat aircraft to partner its existing fleet of heavyweight twin-engined Sukhoi Su-30MKI strike fighters promises to be one of the largest new fighter purchases for many years. It represents an unparalleled opportunity for industrial co-operation and technology transfer between the Swedish Gripen team and many Indian partners. The sophisticated weapons, systems and tactical flexibility built into the Gripen NG closely matches the Indian Air Force's concept of operations and its demanding doctrine.
Norway
Again in April 2008 - on the same day that the Indian RFP response was submitted - Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) delivered Sweden's proposal for Norway's Future Combat Aircraft project.
The Swedish government, supported by the Gripen team, prepared a package that includes 48 Gripen NG fighters. The Gripen NG for Norway is a true swingrole, next generation combat platform to meet Norway's needs for the defence of its national territory, including surveillance of the high North, and participation in international, multi-national forces. The Swedish proposal includes a joint logistic solution and other areas of multi-national co-operation that will reduce the operational cost for both countries. An integral part of the Swedish offer to Norway, is a commitment on the part of the Swedish government to operate the same advanced version of the Gripen as offered to Norway, in the event that Norway selects Gripen as its future combat aircraft. This offer creates a win-win situation for both countries, as they would share future enhancements over the operational life of Gripen for the next 30-40 years.
Switzerland
The Gripen team answered the Swiss government's new fighter RFP in early July 2008 by offering Gripen C/D aircraft to meet the Swiss requirements. The Swiss Air Force is looking to replace its existing F-5E Tiger II fighters. The Swiss authorities plan to run a rapid and all-encompassing selection programme with competing aircraft flying to Switzerland for evaluation later this year.
Croatia
In March, Sweden's Defence Material Administration (FMV) responded to the Croatian government's RFI regarding the supply of new fighters with an offer of 12 Gripen C/D aircraft to meet Croatia's national, European and NATO needs. This response was made in close co-operation with Saab AB, and also included options for support, training and an extensive industrial offset package.
Netherlands
The Netherlands has opened up its search for a next-generation F-16 replacement and has started to look beyond the US-led Joint Strike Fighter project for an advanced, affordable solution that delivers national sovereignty and full configuration control. On 25 August, Saab responded to the F16 Replacement Questionnaire issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 Gripen NG (Next Generation) multi-role fighter aircraft, training, spares, simulators and support to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Away from these critical campaigns Saab and Gripen International are looking to answer near-term requirements for leading multi-role fighters from, Bulgaria, Greece, and Romania. In Brasil, Gripen has long been a frontrunner to provide future combat power to what is a key regional air force and Gripen will again be a leading contender in Brazil's renewed FX-2 competition.
Source : Gripen International
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