Sweden contracts Saab for continued Gripen C/D support
The aircraft is designed to carry a range of weaponry, fuel tanks, EW, FLIR and reconnaissance pods. (Photo: Saab)
Saab has received another order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration to keep its Gripen C/Ds in service until 2035.
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has awarded a SEK500 million (almost $53 million) contract to Saab to enhance and ensure the continued operation of Swedish JAS 39 Gripen C/D.
The purpose of the contract is to fulfil the Swedish Armed Force’s need to maintain the operational capabilities of Gripen C/D up to 2035.
The development is also done to further ensure a cost-effective solution regarding the platform’s construction, design and procurement.
This order represents a continuation of Saab’s efforts to maintain the Swedish Gripen fleet. Last April, the company received a contract extension worth SEK1.6 billion (almost $169 million) for a similar purpose.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Sweden currently operates 95 Gripen C/D. Other operators of the fourth-generation multirole fighter include the Czech Republic, Hungary, Sweden and Thailand.
While Sweden plans to keep its Gripen C/D fleet in service until 2035, the nation placed an order for 60 Gripen E/F in 2013, which just entered serial delivery phase last November.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Embraer “confident” as C-390 and A-29 production ramps up in 2025]()
Embraer “confident” as C-390 and A-29 production ramps up in 2025
Embraer chief commercial officer Frederico Lemos said that it was aiming to produce more than 10 of its C-390 multi-mission aircraft a year by 2030, with some A-29 aircraft already allocated and ready for delivery.
-
![UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability]()
UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability
A total of 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlin helicopters have now been upgraded to the Mk4/4a standard, with the work overseen by the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Leonardo and the Royal Navy (RN).
-
![Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds]()
Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has said the drones won’t meet planned military requirements until 2029, after extensive delays pushed timeline back to the end of 2026.
-
![Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM]()
Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM
Prime Minister Moloni's comment came as Italy and Saudi Arabia signed a swathe of agreements totalling $US10 billion for greater cooperation, including between its defence and aerospace industries.
