The vital role of the UK in the Gripen Fighter Programme
The aerospace and defence manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of UK national industry and a driver of global collaboration and technological advancement. A leading example is the role of UK companies in delivering superior airpower with Saab’s Gripen fighter system.
The Gripen fighter is a symbol of cutting-edge air warfare capability. Designed to meet and defeat all current and future threats, Gripen benefits immensely from the long-term contribution of UK manufacturers. UK companies supply many important systems and components for Gripen. This UK participation significantly boosts the national and regional economies but also strengthens international relationships. From business impact to strategic diplomatic partnerships, the role of the UK in the Gripen programme is multifaced and profound.
UK Manufacturing: A Key Contributor
Integral to Gripen’s advanced capabilities are the contributions of UK manufacturing. With 37% of parts manufactured in the UK, from complex sensors to landing gear to ejection seats, UK firms play a key role in the Gripen programme.
The local economic effects from Gripen are equally significant. According to a Deloitte study in 2015, the British contribution to the programme generates between GBP1.1 billion and GBP3.3 billion in gross value added. Gripen has created 4,000 to 5,700 highly skilled jobs across the country over 10 years. Hundreds of UK-based SMEs are part of the Gripen supply chain, contributing to the growth and prosperity of local economies.
Beyond these monetary benefits, the UK role in the Gripen programme strengthens international diplomatic relations for Sweden and the UK. By engaging in wider partnerships with customer nations, a more intense collaborative environment is fostered. These projects further enhance UK defence relationships with Sweden and all other participating nations, adding to global security, stability and cooperation among allies – indeed the importance of the UK-Sweden partnership was also highlighted by the visit to Sweden of the new UK Foreign Secretary in his first few days.
Gripen: Modern Air Warfare Defined
A fighter aircraft's mission is to secure airspace, then overcome complex threats across a host of unpredictable scenarios. Fighters must be able to survive in the air and on the ground, and to maintain a credible capability through high availability and real effectiveness in every role. To deliver this, Gripen is designed with unique, smart and adaptable features that will dominate the battlespace for decades to come.
The Gripen fighter system is proven in service all around the world, with operations today with six air forces across four continents. Gripen’s ability to fit easily into any force structure, large or small, is unmatched. Interoperability with all joint and allied assets is guaranteed. Gripen is tailored for high-tempo operations against large enemy forces. To fight and win, Gripen combines the most advanced weapons and sensors with electronic warfare and self-protection systems that are unmatched by any other fighter.
Gripen’s proven ability to deploy rapidly and with minimum support to small airfields, even to ordinary roads, is a critical design feature that assures higher survivability and sustained combat effectiveness. Even when deployed and dispersed over wide areas a Gripen force remains connected to the air battle through powerful datalinks. Jets can be rearmed, refuelled and returned to operations in a matter of minutes and the Gripen system, along with its people, is dedicated and trained to deliver maximum airpower with minimum logistics.
Gripen’s technological superiority redefines air warfare tactics and capabilities. The UK’s significant contribution to the programme helps to make that happen and, at the same time, reaffirms a commitment to peace and security in Europe and around the world. As threats continue to evolve, Gripen remains on the frontline of airpower delivery, ensuring a safer and more secure world with UK manufacturing playing a pivotal role in this endeavour.