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.

 

[Tim Mugaseth]

Everyone talks about buying f35. But the jet has not been offered to India. Where does this information come from. With my limited knowledge I think the best best would be the f15ex . It a proven jet and the us can deliver on numbers that we require. The question comes about trusting them is stupid. We have bought sea guardians, predator drones, apaches helicopters so what is this talk about not trusting the US.

 

[skyfall21]

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.

My friend, it's powered by same GE 414 which is what we are looking for in Tejas .... so what's the problem about thrust?

 

[PKPRS]

Don't you know India needs to transfer it's S400 to USA to get F35? F-35 clearly not offered to India

There are two variants F35B and F35C that could be operated far from S-400 in the seas and ocean, so there is no harm.

 

[PKPRS]

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

No it is not too late, HAL is still struggling with MK1A, so as every day passes, prospects of receiving MK2 in the next 5 years is diminishing, we will loose 5-6 squadrons in the next 5 years, unless they make 5-6 squadrons of 4.5 gen jets by the time HAL starts making Tejas MK2, the best thing is Gripen is dirt cheap compared to the likes of Rafale and EF Typhoon, with saved money we could get 2-3 squadrons of 5th gen jets, a private company will also gain fighter jet building ability and they can parallel production line for MK2 once they are done with making Gripen, the exact same logic apply’s to F21 that is even more capable and mire faster and there are a lot of other benefits like MRO facility for Worldwide operators.

 

[Diganta Ghosh]

The Saab Gripen uses american and other countries parts and very few parts are made by Saab. Mainly the engine, what makes you think that GE or USA won't sabotage the delivery of F414 ultimately to Saab to then India.

 

[PKPRS]

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

We don’t even have enough 4.5 gen jets, that's our precarious situation, we will run out of spares for all the old 3rd and 4th gen jets in the next 5 years and will be forced to retire them, it would be better to have a cheap 4.5 gen jet instead of not having any jets or very few jets.

 

[B.Datta]

SAAB is offering too much to really believe. Moreover, any GE-US based engine is difficult to trust as they might cause trouble once any deal is inked by GOI.So, don't trust SAAB so quickly as it might turned out to be disaster in the long run.