Gripen NG pitched to the Netherlands

August 25, 2008 by Dagpotter · Comment
Filed under: Holland, Military Aviation, Proposal, SAAB, production program 

SAAB submitted a proposal to the Dutch government for replacement of the F-16 Fighting Falcons in service at this time. The current plan is to buy F-35 JSF aircraft. The SAAB proposal includes the Gripen aircraft, support, training and spares. No price for the 85 aircraft proposal was provided. If it is competitive there may be some desire by the Dutch to buy this aircraft over the F-35. SAAB has also proposed a Gripen to Norway and India.

For more see FlightGlobal.com.

Concern UK may back out of Eurofighter contract

The UK government is currently planning on buying Eurofighters and F-35 JSF aircraft to modernize their fixed wing aviation force. There are rumors that the Eurofighter buy may be canceled as a cost savings. See an article here. Eurofighter is built by a multi-nation consortium in Europe with BAE being the most important UK participant. If the contract is canceled, with the Government paying termination fees, that means no major aircraft will be built by BAE. They build parts of the JSF but do not assemble the final aircraft. This would be the end of fighter production in England if it happens until a more advanced aircraft then the F-22 or F-35 comes along.

Norway receives bid for new fighter

Lockheed Martin and SAAB submitted bids for Norway’s new fighter. See the article here. Either the F-35 JSF or the Gripen will replace the existing force of F-16 aircraft. It will be one of the largest contracts Norway has awarded due to the expense of the aircraft. A decision will not be made until the end of the calendar year.