Posted on 04/27/2007 2:54:36 PM PDT by WesternCulture
Today Norway and Saab, through Gripen International, have signed a Letter of Agreement regarding the future development of the Gripen fighter. The total value of this agreement is some 150 million Norwegian Kronor (approx. $25 million). This agreement strengthens Gripen´s chances of being selected as the future fighter aircraft for the Norwegian Air Force.
The Norwegian Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen and the Swedish Defence Minister Mikael Odenberg, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in development work on the future versions of Gripen.
This agreement is an important step for Gripen as a candidate to be selected as Norway´s future fighter aircraft, which is planned to be in-service with the Norwegian Air Force around 2015. Through this agreement, the Norwegian authorities and Norwegian commercial companies will get an extensive understanding and insight into the Gripen system, leading to Norwegian participation in future development work in co-operation with Saab.
There was also a Letter of Agreement (LoA) signed between the Norwegian authorities and the Saab subsidiary Gripen International. This agreement will enable Norwegian companies to work on advanced development work in a range of high technology areas, such as composites, communication systems, studies and integration work for Norwegian weapon systems, ammunition, logistics and data systems. The total value is worth some 150 million NOK for a period of two years, with the option to further extend the agreement. At this time, Norwegian companies will take part in an increased industrial cooperation connected to the development of the future Gripen.
Gripen International Managing Director Johan Lehander is very positive about the forthcoming co-operation:
"These two agreements clearly emphasise the importance the Norwegian government puts in co-operation between Norway and Sweden. From a Saab perspective, it means that we are now industrial partners. In the longer term, it also strengthens the possibilities for Gripen to replace the current F- 16 fighter aircraft in the Norwegian Air Force", says Lehander.
Gripen is the first of the new generation, true multi-role combat aircraft to enter service. Using the latest available technology it is capable of performing an extensive range of air-to-air and air-to-surface operational missions and employing the latest weapons.
Gripen is designed to meet the demands of current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs. Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Hungarian and Czech Republic Air Forces and has also been ordered by the South African Air Force. The UK Empire Test Pilots´ School (ETPS) is operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.
Gripen International is a subsidiary of Saab AB and acts as a prime contracting organization, responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen fighter worldwide. Gripen International combines the strength of its international industrial partners, which are among the world’s most experienced and respected manufacturers of aerospace and defence equipment
Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers´ changing needs.
Well, since the F-16 is a 30 year old plane, I’m not sure “fed up” is accurate, but probably just time to get something more modern.
However, just to make you happy, I’m sure the new Grippen plane is the cat’s meow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-3MACYJ5AI&mode=related&search=
Now, fighter plane performance isn’t about ‘chic’ video’s.
It’s about performance.
Does Jas 39 Gripen feature anything unique compared to competing fighter planes like the Eurofighter?
Perhaps. The advocates of this design would probably say Gripen is a more ‘slim’, more ‘affordable’, more ‘versatile’ fighter than any of its competitors. Sort of more ‘bang for the buck’.
“..F-16 is a 30 year old plane, I’m not sure “fed up” is accurate”
- We all know the F-16 is an old construction. I’m just referring to the fact that some US friendly countries, like Norway, are aware F-16 have become very outdated and have arrived at the conclusion that there are options around worthy of consideration.
SAAB has been making world-class jet fighters, in quantity, for the last sixty years. In the 1950s the Swedish AF buy for J-29 fighters was 661 aircraft.
Great video....looks like an absolute blast to fly.
Thanks for the link.
The Gripen wouldnt stand a chance against the F-22, which is the most advanced stealth attack aircraft in the world. Try this on for size: in a prior test, 1 F-22 was pitted against 5 F-15Es with veteran pilots in mock combat. The F-15 pilots were instructed to use every trick in the book to bring down the Raptor. The result? Every F-15 was shot down before they even knew the Raptor was there. I doubt the Gripen would fare any better! I cant speak for the F-35 as I dont beleive it has entered combat trials yet.
“Not being an expert in combat aircraft, I understand why they would want a more modern fighter. But can anyone offer an opinion on how the Gripen would stack up against the F22 or F35?”
- I’m no expert either, but I guess most ‘experts’ would agree that
A. In the toe-to-toe department, Jas can’t truly compete with a plane like the F-22.
B. The claim that ‘Jas 39 Gripen’ delivers more ‘bang for the buck’ could be argued for.
The F-22 is not for sale, and the F-35 costs a fortune. Smaller countries with limited budgets are going to have to look elsewhere for new fighters.
Looks like a great plane. Amazing how the Swedes can come up with this stuff considering their size.
The blood of Vikings still runs in a few of them.
Why does Norway bother having an Air Force? Their only hope of remaining free is via the US (and maybe the UK) and they know it.And as for them lending their Air Force to the cause of protecting Europe or any other part of the civilized world....don’t make me laugh.
Ever see that old movie, "Earth vs. The Flying Saucers"?
Is there a reason Norway even has an air force?
Does that mean that they then would have a total of three fighters? LOL. Amen.
‘The Gripen wouldnt stand a chance against the F-22’
- That’s what most people in the business say. Even here in Sweden.
However, the F-22 is a very expensive plane, while Gripen is not.
How many Gripen are needed to take down a F-22? - 1.5?, 5?, 15?
Furthermore, most governments demand more of a fighter plane than ‘dog fight’ qualities.
Jas is, undeniably, a very versatile, very ‘multi-role’ plane while simultaneously being a very affordable, effective, very easy to maintain and last but not least extemely easy to re-equip plane.
Could that be said of the F-22?
- Before habitually pushing the ‘LOL’ button on your keyboard, did you bother making a search for ‘Norwegian air force’ or any verbal constellation containing a similar amount of characters on the Internet?
GM owns Saab.
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