Saab Offers "Make in India" Gripen-E and Expertise for AMCA Production in Bold MRFA Bid

Swedish defence company Saab has presented a compelling proposal for India's Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, offering not just its Gripen-E fighter jet, but a comprehensive package that includes a "Make in India" production strategy and support for India's indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program. This strategic move aims to position Saab as a key partner in enhancing India's domestic fighter jet manufacturing capabilities.

Saab's proposal includes establishing a production line for the Gripen-E in India, leveraging the country's skilled workforce and potential for advanced digital engineering techniques.

But going beyond simply manufacturing the Gripen-E in India, Saab has also offered to share its expertise and technology to support the production of India's AMCA, a fifth-generation fighter jet currently under development. This collaboration would involve transferring knowledge and technology in areas such as digital engineering, advanced materials, and avionics, helping India establish a modern and efficient manufacturing ecosystem for advanced fighter aircraft.

Saab officials highlight the company's experience with recent projects like the Gripen-E, which have allowed them to refine their high-tech production capabilities. They believe this expertise can be invaluable to India as it embarks on the ambitious AMCA program. This offer goes beyond fulfilling the immediate requirements of the MRFA tender, demonstrating Saab's commitment to a long-term partnership with India in developing its indigenous defence capabilities.

The AMCA program represents a significant leap in India's indigenous fighter jet development. It is also set to involve the Indian private defence sector in manufacturing for the first time, marking a shift from the traditional reliance on the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). While HAL will continue to play a role, Saab's support could be crucial in bridging technology gaps and accelerating the AMCA's development.

Saab's assistance in modernizing the AMCA production line could lead to significant gains in cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, the offer of technology transfer and production assistance aligns with India's self-reliance goals in defence manufacturing, supporting the government's vision of achieving greater autonomy in defence capabilities.

 

[PKPRS]

Either go with Rafael F4 or Make more Super sukhois. TejasMk2 and AMCA are our future. We shouldn't dilute it.

F4 will cost $350M each.

 

[Akshat]

It was the Gripen Demo which was based on a two-seater Gripen so it wasn't the Gripen E so the Gripen E didn't lose.

Ok so here’s the thing. Saab had developed a plane called Gripen NG. They partnered with Tata, and promised to make us a tailor made aircraft, which they named Gripen IN. This is just like the Rafale ISE. But India rejected it.

Then they named that plane Gripen E.

So it was Gripen E which we rejected.

 

[tlsmani]

Gripen Fighter jet is not the ideal requirement of IAF, First it is Single Engine second Most of the components are Imported again Bharat have to depend upon other nation for components , its Just like similar situation Like Eurofighter. Bharat want to depend on single Nation for MRFA

They have defence ties with jihadi country Pakistan. We should not support them & engage with them for any supply

 

[Raju]

The MRFA isn’t going ahead at all!

my opinion is yes, MRFA tender may not happen, RAFALE F4 is the right choice but it won't come before 2030. then what next? EFA or F 15SE?

 

[Pad UwU]

who has produced except USA, which will not give you any know how of it. SAAB is partner in Tempest program so they will have experience in future technologies.

Saab is previous observer status partner and didn't pursue to continue it with GCAP because they want to try it again on soloing a cheaper version of 6gen of their own like what they did with Gripen.... Saab is not in a hurry, they already learned some conceptual standard specs on 5gen design that is being tried to put in 6gen as a next generation standard specs

 

[Sandeep]

my opinion is yes, MRFA tender may not happen, RAFALE F4 is the right choice but it won't come before 2030. then what next? EFA or F 15SE?

The problem is that by the time that we even started price negotiations and sorting out the contracts it will take 2-3 years and another 4-6 years before we even start receiving them because of the large backlog of orders. Also we will soon place an order for naval Rafale jets which will show the price and delivery to be expected which will still be several years from now.

 

[Nathan1]

Getting hundreds of engineers involved with the technology framework, Saab can help get the software in place for India to make more of its own independent drones fighters to fly alongside the Air Force and Navy jets. Plus the logistics to maintenance for a fast landing turn around. Is important when cruise missiles are targeting airfields.

 

[M.H.]

Well it’s surely not cheap. If you look at the final compensation paid by Brazil to Saab, it topped 9.1 billion USD, which makes the deal even more expensive than the Rafales bought by India. And Meteor was sold separately in that deal.

As for being a good plane, it failed the field trials in MMRCA.

Are you really going to keep insisting that Brazil's acquisition of the Gripen E/F was more expensive than the Rafales?
The Rafales also participated in the Brazilian FX-2 program and according to information from the BRAZILIAN AIR FORCE itself, the French offer was the most expensive among all the proposals, so much so that this was one of the reasons that led them to give up on the French fighter.

 

[Kjell]

Ok so here’s the thing. Saab had developed a plane called Gripen NG. They partnered with Tata, and promised to make us a tailor made aircraft, which they named Gripen IN. This is just like the Rafale ISE. But India rejected it.

Then they named that plane Gripen E.

So it was Gripen E which we rejected.

What don't you understand the Gripen Demo wasn't the Gripen E it was a platform for evaluation and demonstration of leading edge technology for the whole Gripen family. The Gripen Demo made its maiden flight in May 2008, Sweden ordered the Gripen E in Februari 2013 so obviously India hasn't tested the Gripen E.

 

[subrat beura]

Say no to MRFA,only focus on UCAV & Bombers

 

[P2S2]

Amazing, this jet would be the most practical and affordable jet for MRFA provided we make GE F414 engine locally, best approach would be to make 200 each of Gripen-E and Tejas MK2 by the same private/public company and be done with the 4th gen MWF jet category and better focus on 5th and 6th gen platforms there after instead of wasting time. SAAB is also working on a 6th gen jet named Flygsystem 2020 independently after quitting Tempest program that we can collaborate with.

It is Bharat's duty to support and maintain brother with such mutual friends.

 

[JB]

India would be well rewarded if it joined the BAE SAAB TEMPEST collaboration between Sweden and Britain. With its aggressive schedule this program leapfrogs past 5G and into 6G production ready jets by 2035. Rather than spend time money and effort into 5G a similar investment into TEMPEST by India is very worthwhile.