Saab receives SEK 2 billion order for Hungarian lease of 14 Gripen fighters
Saab receives SEK 2 billion order for Hungarian lease of 14 Gripen fighters The extended agreement for the Hungarian government's leasing of 14 Gripen fighters from the Swedish government will also call for modification work on the part of Saab Aerospace. The order is worth more than SEK 2 billion to Saab. On February 3rd, FMV (the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration) and the Hungarian government signed an amendment to the contract signed in December 2001 for the adaptation and support of 14 Gripen multi-role fighters designated for use by the Hungarian Air Force. This agreement, which involves development and modification, is worth more than SEK 2 billion to Saab. The Hungarian Gripen will be equipped with a retractable Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) probe. It will have the capacity to use NATO- interoperable weapons, including Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs), an advanced electronic warfare system, an On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), English-language full-color cockpit displays and a NATO-interoperable communications system. This ensures that the Hungarian Gripen can operate jointly from NATO or dispersed bases, with the alliance's air and ground forces world-wide. The agreement was reached because Sweden is able to offer Hungary an aircraft of world class at a reasonable price and on good financial terms, as well as a long-term industrial cooperation. - This solution show the capacity for further development that is offered by the Gripen system. Furthermore, it confirms Gripen's position within the NATO Air forces. It should be possible to offer similar solutions to other countries, says Åke Svensson, General manager for the business area Saab Aerospace. The Gripen aircraft will be adapted to meet the extended specification required by the government of Hungary for the modernization of its air force to meet national and NATO defence needs. After a leasing period of ten years, Hungary intends to buy the aircrafts. The 14 Gripen fighters will be modified at Saab Aerospace in Linköping, Sweden and will be delivered in 2006. Saab is one of the world's leading high-technology companies, with main operations focusing on defense, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capability in systems integration. For further information please contact: Peter Larsson, Vice President Communications and Public Affairs, Saab Aerospace Telephone: +46 13-46 53 109 and +46 709-89 7109 www.saabaerospace.com ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/07/20030207BIT00300/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/07/20030207BIT00300/wkr0002.pdf