Sweden’s Fighter jet in India: Sweden’s defence company Saab has shared a big idea with the Indian government. The company wants to help build what it calls the world’s most advanced aerospace industry in India. This plan includes aircraft design, making fighter jets, repairs, and long-term support. Saab also wants India to induct its Gripen E fighter jet.
Mikael Franzen, who is Chief Marketing Officer for Gripen and Vice President at Saab Aeronautics, explained the idea clearly. He said, “In our engagements with the Government of India, we have proposed the creation of the world’s most advanced aerospace industry, comprising multi-layered design, production and maintenance,”. He added that the Gripen E is modern and low-cost and can strongly boost the Indian Air Force with its advanced sensors and networking systems.
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Why Saab says Gripen E suits the IAF
Franzen said Gripen E can work well alongside India’s Rafale and Tejas jets. He stressed the importance of having more fighters ready for action at all times. “The highest availability of any fighter gives an unrivalled combat mass to counter any adversary. Gripen will fit perfectly in IAF together with Rafale and Tejas,” he told PTI at the Singapore Airshow held from February 3 to 8.
He explained that the IAF needs a fighter that can be added quickly and in large numbers. He also said Gripen E stands out because it can keep getting upgrades easily. According to him, the jet is already strong in areas like Net Centric Warfare, Electronic Warfare, and the Kill Chain. He also claimed that Gripen E is ahead of other fighters due to its growing use of AI.
Franzen said Gripen is special because air forces can update its software without waiting long or depending fully on the maker. The jet allows countries to manage and certify their own software faster, which saves time and effort.
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Technology transfer
Saab says its offer goes beyond selling jets. Franzen said, “Saab would be making the biggest transfer of technology and capability in the history of defence aviation, engaging with 300+ of tier 1,2 and 3 companies including MSMEs. The infusion of industrial capabilities and new technologies make Gripen a potential stepping stone to bolster India’s indigenous fighter projects such as AMCA,”.
He also said Saab can deliver aircraft quickly. Planes could arrive as early as the third year after a contract is signed. Production would start in Sweden and later shift to India. At the same time, Saab wants to build a strong group of Indian companies that can support aircraft making and exports.
Franzen said this plan will help the IAF add its own software and AI into Gripen systems. As technology improves, these systems can grow stronger. He ended by saying Saab’s offer is different because it focuses on the future.
