Sweden contracts Saab for continued Gripen C/D support
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
-
EuroDASS partners unveil details on next-gen EW system for Eurofighter Typhoon
The consortium has given details on the next-generation of sensing and jamming capabilities on the Eurofighter Typhoon without needing to update the airframe, according to the group’s partners.
-
Romania signs $7.2 billion deal to buy 32 F-35A jets
The Romanian government has formalised a deal to purchase 32 F-35A aircraft from the US. The jets will not be expected to be operational in Romania until 2030.
-
US Air Force A-10s to exit South Korea in favour of fourth- and fifth-gen fighter jets
The US Air Force will transition away from its ageing A-10 aircraft in 2025, in favour of updating and enhancing its F-16, and introducing F-15EX and F-35 Lightning II jets in the region.