Swiss pick Saab's Gripen fighter
Published: 30 Nov 11 17:13 CET | Print version
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/37664/20111130/
The Swiss government on Wednesday confirmed their intention to purchase 22 Swedish Saab Gripen Fighter jets, choosing the less expensive Swedish plane over the Eurofighter or the Rafaele.
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According to Mauer it was Gripen's qualities, price, as well as the industrial relationship with the Saab defence group that clinched the deal.
Rumours regarding the purchase were circulating already early on Wednesday, making defence and security company Saab stocks surge on market.
News agency TT reported that the local papers estimated the sale being worth close to 22 billion Swedish kronor ($3.29 billion).
The Swiss decision to go with Gripen was controversial and local Swiss media pointed out that it would cost Switzerland significantly less than would the same number of the Eurofighter or the French Rafaele.
Gripen allegedly didn't do that well in two of the tests performed, but the fighter's advocates argue that the aircraft has previously done better and that it is the overall performance that would count.
However, critics claim that the price tag ultimately closed the deal.
”The purchase of Gripen might not mean that we get the best fighter plane in Europe. But we'll have a plane that meets our expectations – and we haven't planned to break any world records in this area,” Mauer said at the press conference.
Before the Swiss press conference the Saab group said they were aware of what the Swiss papers were claiming but wouldn't confirm nor deny the information until official confirmation had been received.
According to the company website, the Saab group will hold a press conference later on Wednesday in Stockholm.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
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Will SAAB resume production of the 50 seat planes ?
The SAAB 2000 was the wrong aircraft at the wrong time that ended SAAB's commercial aircraft adventure. The production line will never be started again.
I agree; in some regards the Gripen would have been great for Canada,
although twin-engined the CF-18 isn't bad at all..
Readiness is much higher as well -- having 80% readiness with 20 aircraft in the squadron means that 16 can fly TODAY. Having 40% readiness with a Rafaele, means that you have to buy 40 aircraft to have the same relative combat power -- something which vastly boosts Saab's attractive in the world market.
Also, critically, the price of a fighter jet is far more than its acquisition cost alone -- the life cycle cost of the Gripen is far lower than the Eurofighter or Rafaele, as I understand it. Again, that's what makes Saab's JAS series so compelling for buyers -- in an increasingly budget constrained world, these things matter a lot. I am always surprised that Saab doesn't use that fact more in its marketing.
The French were even ready to share their crowded airspace and the St Dizier airbase to train Swiss pilots...
I am glad they bought Swedish fighters instead of American ones.