As the Indian Air Force (IAF) looks to modernize its fighter fleet, the ability to quickly adapt to new threats and integrate the latest technology has become a top priority.
Saab, the Swedish aerospace and defense company, is emphasizing the unique modular design of its Gripen fighter jet as a key advantage in India's ongoing competition to acquire 114 new Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
Annika Meijer, Head of Design for Saab's Gripen, recently highlighted how the Gripen's flexible design and architecture make it a strong contender for India. The Gripen's approach to software, hardware, and intellectual property (IP) protection is designed to meet the IAF's need for a fighter that can be easily updated and customized.
A core element of the Gripen's design is its "layered" approach to software and architecture, using what's known as Distributed Integrated Modular Avionics (DIMA). This system separates functions based on their importance, allowing for rapid updates and changes without compromising safety.
"The DIMA architecture is built on the categorization of functions," Meijer explained. This means that less critical functions, like adding a new sensor, can be updated separately from critical systems like hydraulics or fuel pumping. This separation allows Saab to quickly update non-critical systems, significantly reducing downtime and certification delays.
For safety-critical functions, a more rigorous development and verification process is followed. "Everything is split up, but the processes will need to be adapted depending on the criticality that you have put on the functionality," Meijer stated. This ensures that while vital updates take longer, less crucial enhancements can be implemented quickly, keeping the aircraft technologically advanced.
A key feature of the Gripen is its ability to incorporate specific requirements from different countries. This is achieved through "selectable" and "deletable" layers in its software. "India can select functions specific to them, like a communication system or data link," Meijer said. "If there are specific weapons, sensors, or cryptos that need to be integrated, it’s very easy to update and test."
This is particularly important for India, which wants to integrate its own systems, like the Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), the BrahMos-NG missile, and Indian-developed data links. The Gripen's design allows these integrations without interfering with the aircraft's core systems.
The "deletable layer" offers a crucial benefit for protecting intellectual property, a major concern for India. "If you have a function that you want to keep in India and don’t want to share with anyone else, it’s your IP and your licenses. It will be deleted completely from the platform for everyone else," Meijer emphasized. This guarantees that India-specific enhancements remain exclusive to India.
The Gripen's architecture is built for speed and flexibility. "If we want to do an update of a tactical system that is non-critical, we can do it very quickly because it’s isolated," Meijer explained.
This is a significant advantage for the IAF, which often faces long delays when integrating new systems on other aircraft. The Gripen's modularity also simplifies the process of verifying and certifying new additions.
The Gripen E/F is competing against other advanced fighters, like the French Rafale, the American F-15EX, and the Russian Su-35, in the MRFA competition.
While the Rafale is already in service with the IAF, the Gripen offers lower operating costs, its modular design, and Saab's commitment to technology transfer and local production under India's "Make in India" initiative.
According to previous reports, Saab has offered to establish a complete manufacturing facility in India, including the production of engines and avionics, if the Gripen is selected.
Meijer's explanation of the Gripen's design highlights its suitability for the IAF's requirement for a fighter that is built for a complex world, one that can adapt to India's specific needs and seamlessly integrate future technologies.
The ability to protect India-specific technology, implement rapid upgrades, and maintain flexibility positions the Gripen as a technologically advanced platform ready to evolve with the IAF's future requirements.
