Posted on 05/04/2007 8:09:35 PM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Sweden sheds its nuclear fears, offers India fighter jets
Indrani Bagchi [5 May, 2007 l 0245 hrs ISTlTIMES NEWS NETWORK]
NEW DELHI: Sweden will pitch to sell the most advanced version of its multi-role fighter aircraft Saab Gripen, to India, even as this northern European nation, a known champion of non-proliferation, has clearly softened its stand towards India's nuclear deal.
Swedish foreign minister Carl Bildt, on a visit to India, told journalists on Friday, "India is emerging as a significant global player in areas such as Asian stability, climate change etc, and we need to deepen the dialogue."
In his meetings with PM Manmohan Singh and foreign minister Pranab Mukherjee, Bildt discussed India's nuclear deal with the US and its potential exemption for nuclear commerce in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
He was very clear that NSG would wait for the 123 agreement to be worked out between India and the US and the IAEA safeguards agreement worked out before the NSG took a decision. But it's clear that Sweden, one of the major initial opponents to granting India an exemption by NSG, is closer to relenting. Bildt said, "We are concerned about proliferation. But we have a deeper understanding of India's need for civil nuclear energy. That's important for energy security and from climate change point of view.
"We see India as a responsible partner on this issue. India has never been a proliferator and we don't expect it to be." On Bildt's talks with Mukherjee, the MEA spokesperson said, "They appreciate India's concerns and needs for energy and he assured the external affairs minister of a positive approach."
Sweden takes over the EU presidency in the second half of 2009, and will host the annual EU-India summit that year. Bildt made a strong pitch for increasing Indian investments in Sweden. India, for its part, asked for more visas for businessmen, professionals and students.
indrani.bagchi@timesgroup.com
I’m sold. :-)
That’s one of the contenders to replace the MiG-21, right (not a replacement for the mainline air-superiority fighter)?
As such, won’t it just be a stopgap until the Tejas and MCA get rolling? Seems like it’d be best to choose the best “value” pick and use the money left over for R&D.
BTTT
This is a capable multi-role aircraft. I would rather have JSFs when they are ready, but if India needs the aircraft in the next few years then the Grippen would be a good choice.
btt
I wouldn’t buy the LCA if I brought the Gripen(not the new variant).Very similar aircraft though the Gripen is far more advanced given that it entered service much earlier.
The Gripen-NG which is a big upgrade,is being hawked to JSF customers like Norway & Denmark,who need a replacement for the F-16.Barring stealth,it matches the JSF in most respects,while beating it on price & politics-that would be a big plus for many customers.
Losing that stealth capability is not a small difference. Especially if you are that guy in the aircraft over enemy territory and you know they can see you coming.
Yes & No.The JSF,while having lower RCS than the Gripen or EF-2000,will not be in the league of the F-22.Especially if it carries munitions externally,which is more than likely.Besides,the Gripen will be employing advanced ECM & stand-off capabilities to a large extent.
The advantage the F-35 has is in it’s avionics, which will link up with the F-22’s and with Joint Rivet, and AWACs to allow external targeting of it’s ordinance.
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