SAAB Claims Fastest Delivery of Gripen E to IAF than Other MRFA Competitors, Citing Streamlined Production and Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

In the race to supply India's Air Force (IAF) with its next generation of fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program, Saab is emphasizing the Gripen E's advanced capabilities and rapid delivery timeline. Saab asserts that the Gripen E is uniquely positioned to meet India's defence needs, offering superior technology and a swift integration process.

Kent-Åke Molin, head of the Gripen India campaign, highlights the Gripen E's strengths, stating, "Gripen’s exceptional capabilities align seamlessly with India’s defence needs, offering advanced weapons, cutting-edge sensors, countermeasures systems and pilot-friendly Human-Machine Collaboration (HMC)." He further emphasizes the Gripen E's swift delivery timeline, stating, "The Gripen E aircraft will be the fastest delivery to the IAF on signing of the contract."

Saab attributes its ability to deliver quickly to its advanced manufacturing processes, which incorporate AI, model-based development, additive manufacturing, and high-speed machining. These technologies, combined with decades of experience in fighter jet production, allow for efficient production and reduced lead times.

Beyond the aircraft itself, Saab is proposing a comprehensive technology transfer program that aims to bolster India's domestic defence industry. This includes transferring Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, facilitating local production of aircraft components and engine assembly, and establishing a Gripen Design Centre in Bangalore. This centre would focus on advanced avionics and software development, enabling India to customize the Gripen E to its specific requirements and maintain control over its fighter systems.

Saab's commitment to technology transfer extends beyond the Gripen program, with potential support for indigenous projects like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). Furthermore, Saab envisions India as a potential export hub for Gripen E aircraft and related systems, contributing to India's growth as a global defence exporter.

This comprehensive package, combining cutting-edge technology with a robust industrial partnership proposal, underscores Saab's commitment to meeting India's defence needs and fostering a self-reliant Indian defence industry.

 

[ksvg]

Spending 25-30 Billion dollars on a 4th Gen aircraft in the times of 5 & 5.5 Gen aircraft is ridiculous! Proping up Saab or Sweden is not India's headache.

 

[PKPRS]

Buying 114 Gripen’s and 2-3 squadrons of F-35 would be nice, GOI could buy three 4th gen jets for the price of one 4th gen jet Rafale, Gripen’s upfront and operational cost are very cheap, SAAB recently made changes to Gripen E’s wing’s to increase payload and range, after these changes it is almost identical to or even better than Tejas MK2, it also uses GE F414 engine, so there is commonality , we need at-least 400 single engine 4th gen jets, In 3-5 years time frame IAF can easily attain its planned squadron strength if we acquire Gripen, but we have to face up hill battle for not choosing some 4th gen US jet.

 

[sanket]

The only thing it has is a Low Thrust Engine which limits combat radius/weapon carrying capacity. Even if it was a single engine with a higher thrust engine, let's say 170kN, it would have made some impact.

 

[Ashram]

Should sign a jt venture deal with Mahindras or Tatas with hal and gripen. Things will move faster with gripen providing tot with a target for the aircraft to be up and flying by 26.Currently the Amca deal can go on parallel with either Rafael or Russia.SU57 too can go on Gripen can be used as replacement for Mirage Jaguar etc . Saab will also help with 5g futuristic technology.

 

[Rame1]

SAAB Gripen Aircraft can be considered as one of the aircraft in the arsenal with complete transfer of technology and creating manufacturing spares base under the Atmanirbhar Bharat program.

 

[Kira]

A good and cost effective jet, but too late now.

 

[Sangram]

Cancel Tejas Mk1 and order some Gripen E and focus on Tejas MK2 don't let US play again with MK2

 

[Yes]

The only thing it has is a Low Thrust Engine which limits combat radius/weapon carrying capacity. Even if it was a single engine with a higher thrust engine, let's say 170kN, it would have made some impact.

It's literally the 414 engine from GE. What are you on about?

 

[Garuda]

Procuring a jet with single engine and tail less delta wing with canards design feels too similar to upcoming MWF. And too many different jets in arsenal is never a good option.

 

[Bhishma]

Saab is a scam, dont waste time. This is exactly like Tejas & with the vulnerability of Tejas ie GE. May be if this deal was offered 30 years ago, we could have taken it.

 

[Divyansh Bhutra]

Gripen E

Advantages: Doesn't cost too much, cheap to operate, and boasts high end equipment. Quick delivery (IAF desperately needs more squadrons), and a probability of 'open' source code for integration of our own weapon systems, and faster logistical integration.

Disadvantages: It's not the fastest, not at all combat proven, it's a sitting duck in front of any non stealth jet that's faster, and to any stealth jet.

Personal Opinion: Since the Air Force would need both 4.5 and 5 Gen Jets, IAF should chose F15 EX and F35. I know many people would disagree since USA isn't the most friendly nation for India, but they are undeniably not hostile, unlike China. And Chinese jets are 'probably' second only to American jets. Russian jets are very much subpar in terms of both quality and technology, compared to American and Chinese ones.

F15 EX gets all the avionics and electronics from the F35 itself. Even the USAF is replacing their F22 Raptor(s) with these, since they're far more deadly when stealth isn't needed, and when stealth is needed, F35 is the deadlier one.

Advantages: State-of-the-art technology and platforms, combat proven platforms, superior Logistical support during a possible war with China (Russian jets won't have that since they depend on China too), Indian pilots gain experience with benchmark technologies, IAF gains logistical experience of modern battle platforms, both of which would aid in pushing DRDO to develop better stuff if they want any contracts with IAF.

Disadvantages: USA is extremely controlling in terms of spares for their jets, expensive, does not align with India's goal for self reliance (but I believe that for now, gaining squadron strength is much more important)

 

[Dredd]

Saab is a scam, dont waste time. This is exactly like Tejas & with the vulnerability of Tejas ie GE. May be if this deal was offered 30 years ago, we could have taken it.

it was offered more than 20 years ago, when the MMRCA program started that's how vintage our procurement circus is.

 

[Scooter2000]

A good and cost effective jet, but too late now.

The boat has already sailed on any 4.5 Generation Fighter. Why people keep debating it is beyond me.......

 

[Biju UK]

Since we are huffing and puffing as usual to decide on the MRFA tender for some time , I wouldn't be surprised if the mandarins of South block would take the middle road of buying 2 squadrons of 5th gen from Russia (obviously a reactive purchase to pakistan getting the Chinese 5th Gens) and near to two squadrons of Rafael from France (an attempt to Standardise) Saab has no chance as Sweden is not a heavy weight w.r.t the geopolitical scheme of things.
More unlikely things has happened in our defence purchasing sagas or should i say tragedies.

 

[atul sharma]

I think india should go for 3 more squadrons of rafale and 2 squadrons of SU-57. It should be finalised at the earliest.

 

[Sumanta Nayak]

When INDIA is going for LCA MK-1A,LCA MK-2 there is question mark for GRIPEN-E. Morever it's use GE-414 engine, USA WILL STOP SUPPLY. IT will be very intelligent to take 180 nos F35A to dominant the enemy airspace.Ofcourse we need some 40 billion $ to established each & every thing to use. Mr president will be very happy & he must allow to access the technologies to use our WEAPON, upgrading in future. Money is not everything for INDIA, NATION DEFENCE IS FIRST PIORITY MODIJI YOU MUST LEARN FROM HISTORY.