ARMAMENTS

On the 24th of November, Saab held a high-level meeting with authorities from Brazil and Sweden to present the first six serial production Gripen E aircraft, which have left the factory and entered the delivery phase. The delegations from both countries also had the opportunity to discuss joint activities that will be beneficial to the Gripen program.

According to Saab, the meeting was attended by: General Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Major General Carl-Johan Edström, Commander of the Swedish Air Force, Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab; and Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics.

“These deliveries form an important part of strengthening our capabilities and defending Sweden. JAS 39 E Gripen will increase Sweden’s defence capability, allowing us to build a stronger and tactically superior Air Force for every situation,” said Major General Carl-Johan Edström, Commander of the Swedish Air Force.

Also read: SAAB | New order from Sweden for A-26 submarines

“It is a pleasure to follow the fulfillment of yet another step in the delivery process of the F-39 Gripen aircraft, which will lead the evolution of the Brazilian Air Force’s combat capability. This project represents a new technological level for Brazil and it is of fundamental importance in the development of our Industrial Defence Base,” said General Carlos de Almeida Baptista Junior, Commander of the Brazilian Air Force.

“The start of the serial delivery phase with these four aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force and two for the Swedish Air Force is an extremely important achievement for the Gripen program. It shows that we have a mature product and that we fulfill our contractual obligations,” said Micael Johansson, President, and CEO of Saab. “This all has been possible thanks to our smart ways of working, innovative production technologies, and close cooperation with the customers,” he added.

During the visit to Saab, several serial productions and test aircraft were presented to the authorities, who also had the opportunity to test the new Gripen mission trainer simulator and to view an air display with both Swedish and Brazilian Gripen aircraft.

Gripen’s main technical characteristics include: 

• Length: 15,2 meters  
• Width: 8,6 meters
• Maximum take-off weight: 16500 kg
• Max thrust: 98 kN
• Hardpoints: 10
• Combat turnaround: 10 minutes
• Air-to-air refueling: Yes
• Mauser BK27 mm gun: Yes 

Also read: Saab | Submission of its Best and Final Offer for Finland’s HX program – Infographics