Saab Woos India with Gripen-E for MRFA Tender, Promises Seamless Integration of Indian Weapons and Software Collaboration

In the race to secure India's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) contract for 114 new fighter jets, Saab is making a strong pitch with its Gripen-E, emphasizing its commitment to "Make in India" and offering seamless integration of Indian-made weapons.

Saab India has reiterated its pledge to manufacture the Gripen-E in India if selected, and is open to incorporating a range of indigenous weapons, including the Astra beyond visual range air-to-air missile, the Rudram anti-radiation missile, and the Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon (SAAW).

A senior Saab India official highlighted the ease of integrating these weapons, stating that it primarily involves software upgrades to the fighter's core weapons system computer. Saab engineers are prepared to collaborate with the IAF's Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) to ensure smooth integration from the early stages of production. This would allow the IAF to deploy its own weaponry on the Gripen-E, increasing its versatility and compatibility with India's existing defence infrastructure.

Saab's offer to collaborate with the IAF on software development for weapons integration is a significant step, demonstrating the company's willingness to tailor the Gripen-E to India's specific operational needs. By working closely with ASTE, Saab aims to guarantee seamless integration of Indian weapon systems without delays or complications, granting the IAF greater autonomy and operational flexibility.

Regarding the Raven ES-05 radar, a key component of the Gripen-E's sensor suite developed by Leonardo Aerospace, Defence and Security, the Saab official confirmed Leonardo's full cooperation with Saab's plans. This suggests that ensuring the radar's compatibility with Indian operational requirements will not be an issue. However, it remains unclear whether the IAF will demand full access to the source code, a sensitive issue often linked to technology transfer and strategic autonomy.

This development comes as India seeks to modernize its air force and bolster its domestic defence industry. Saab's proposal, with its focus on indigenous production and weapons integration, positions the Gripen-E as a strong contender in the MRFA competition.

 

[sanket]

Good competition for MRFA, Bharat at the End of the will benefit

 

[PKPRS]

Great product but less political weight, may be MRFA could be split between single and twin engine, 114 single and 54 twin engine 5th gen jets, which will solve all India’s problems for next 40 years.

 

[M S Chatterji]

Gripen is trying very hard to break into Indian market. The truth is that it has an American engine which is no….no.

 

[sanket]

Great product but less political weight, may be MRFA could be split between single and twin engine, 114 single and 54 twin engine 5th gen jets, which will solve all India’s problems for next 40 years.

Only Thing is if Gripen was Twin Engine then it was more appealing rather than Single Engine, even though most of the components are source outside, Being Single Engine may b going against.

 

[Anant]

Great product but less political weight, may be MRFA could be split between single and twin engine, 114 single and 54 twin engine 5th gen jets, which will solve all India’s problems for next 40 years.

That would certainly help a lot in terms of squadron numbers. The trade-off, of course, would be that the 54 jets would have to be bought off-the-shelf, and this would lead to a maintenance issue a few decades down the line.

 

[PKPRS]

Only Thing is if Gripen was Twin Engine then it was more appealing rather than Single Engine, even though most of the components are source outside, Being Single Engine may b going against.

but it is half the price of other western twin engine options, we can even scale the production up to 200 if there is a future need and if we have any problems with Tejas program and use as a contingency.

 

[PKPRS]

That would certainly help a lot in terms of squadron numbers. The trade-off, of course, would be that the 54 jets would have to be bought off-the-shelf, and this would lead to a maintenance issue a few decades down the line.

It would be far better than the 36 Rafales that might pose logistical problems down the line, at-least these belong to the same family as sU-30’s though a distant relative. we could buy 36 more either used or new 15-20 years later when the backlog clears if there is a need at that time.

 

[sanket]

but it is half the price of other western twin engine options, we can even scale the production up to 200 if there is a future need and if we have any problems with Tejas program and use as a contingency.

Bharat already developing Jet in similar category Tejas MK2, Combat Range & weapon load also important factor, single Engines have Limitaion in remaining Airborne for Long & performing Long sortie, Given Rafale can perform 5 sortie a day is Big advantage plus Ferry Range it can b fielded other parts of battle field quickly

 

[PKPRS]

Gripen is trying very hard to break into Indian market. The truth is that it has an American engine which is no….no.

Then how about Tejas, TEDBF and AMCA MK1.

 

[Ronin]

Bharat already developing Jet in similar category Tejas MK2, Combat Range & weapon load also important factor, single Engines have Limitaion in remaining Airborne for Long & performing Long sortie, Given Rafale can perform 5 sortie a day is Big advantage plus Ferry Range it can b fielded other parts of battle field quickly

IAF needs 114 jets for $20Bln, not 50-60, the main reason for MRFA is to replenish the falling squadron strength, buying 50-60 makes no sense, for this budget we can only buy 114 single engine jets or MIG-35, we can’t even go near other options in the list, US might offer F/A-18 for cheap, but it doesn’t have growth potential, F15 will be expensive as well.