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.

 

[Sridhar]

India is not able to buy and afford 114 foreign jets as it’s too expensive even if they make it in India.

India needs to focus on manufacturing the Tejas MK1A and sort that problem out. We also need to quickly manufacture the Tejas MK2 and AMCA prototype which will be the main backbone of our air force.

Is HAL upto the task? I too support TEJAS MK1A, MK2 and AMCA. But when will these jets come?

 

[Sridhar]

Well this is a good option.... If I would decide it's bet to divide MRFA into two maker and form JV partnership or overseas company ie Saab India and Eurofighter consortium India (with it's other partners in Indian local military supplier company)... MRFA order of 54 Gripen E/F indianize variant and EF tranche 4/5 indianize system or with ECRS mk2 radar.... We can't deny the alternate reality that we might go all the way with Russian systems from Su35s/m or su57/75 if we they can wooh us plus a some real tech transfer 65~80%... The rest would be up to us or we can go pay up the bill as high to get the real deal and doesn't wast more time and money for those failed R&D's from the past🙃😺🔥🔥🔥🔥

EF is ruled out. Too many stakeholders. It's a great jet alright. But India would be vary about no.of stakeholders who are involved in the manufacturing.

 

[vivek manjeshwar]

Only Rafael makes sense, nothing else, given that 36 rafaels are in Indian hangers, it doesn't have US engine, good relations with France (actually best in west), and navy too will be operating rafael Ns.

They won't consider any single engine jets since the Tejas program already in action.

But as order book of Rafel is full and they are already delivering F4R to French airforce we can't get Rafel aircraft for few more years as their capacity is production low and it rafel fighter plane is expensive at present. It seems Rafel was not willing or keen to assembly of ckd kits in their Nagpur unit on 800 acre plot.which was given to them to fulfill offset clause. Setting up a new plant now and tooling, training will take some more years. Tough situation at least we need 54 more rafel and 26 Rafel M as they can be assembled in India along with orders of UAE, Indonesia. And we don't know the outcome of the discussion that happened recently between Indian NSA and French government. Picture will be clear after US election.

 

[Sandeep]

Is HAL upto the task? I too support TEJAS MK1A, MK2 and AMCA. But when will these jets come?

HAL needs to change its operations and aims. HAL should only focus on designing, developing and manufacturing the first 4-6 prototype models of a jet and once the air force are happy with it then get it certified.

After that they should issue a license to several private sector companies to start several production lines and manufacture the entire jet. This is what needs to happen and the private sector can even be part of designing and developing it.

 

[PKPRS]

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

First of all we don’t have much radius to fight as both our enemies are close-by, , Super-30’s and 36 Rafale’s could be used against China and in extended range, we can buy 2-3 squadrons of SU-57 which would be more than enough for us to use in the Chinese front, but we need more potent jets to use in the Pakistan front as we have more chances of war with them than the Chinese, we are also planning to get 18 Mid air fueling tanker jets-as opposed to 8 that were originally planned, these could increase the combat radius of single engine jets, single engine jets could also carry drop tanks to extend the range.

 

[PKPRS]

If Gripen qualify the technical bids and enter financial bids it will surely wins the competition, Unless Indian Govt consider political weightage. IAF loves Gripen and have flown Gripen formation on air force day (2017).
Lokking at HAL and ADA record we are not getting LCA Mk2 before 2035.

yes Gripen-E is the only jet that makes more practical and financial sense, the best thing is, it shares the same engine with Tejas MK2 and other local products, the same Indian company that makes Gripen-E/F can make Tejas Mk2 in a separate production line.

 

[Pramkumar]

better to cancel the MRFA and invest in Kaveri, give additional orders for MK1A and MK2 and develop ORCA as twin Kaveri engine product.

 

[sandy 007]

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

Very surprisingly SAAB offering Gripen E for the MRFA program but from where they will get the engine GE414 when US not Providing us. This only shows that Either US is putting hindrance in the Tejas MK2 program or US only interested in selling jet engines to NATO countries.

Secondly Their So called Avionics and AESA radar also sourced from many European vendors.
This only shows that "" Asman se gira aur Khajur per latka """.That will be the real condition of IAF. In case US stops or ceases the engine from where will IAF will ask Engine.
It looks USA wants only market but only through the NATO members.

Gripen Even if they win the tender what is the guaranty that US will provide them all engine they required.
Purchasing Gripen is a costly affair. To my mind Gripen fitted with US engine especially F414 is no longer guaranty to Indian Airforce much needed requirements to fill the gap.
Where as I think European Consortium Typhoon can fill the gap very easily since they don't required US engine's.

 

[Renu Sri]

It is even more expensive than other western twin engine jets and they can’t even give us 50% ToT.

How is it more expensive? Procurement cost and operation cost both are much lower than twin engine fighters. India need fighter planes in quantity, grippen will bring that quantity and quality

 

[Akshat]

How is it more expensive? Procurement cost and operation cost both are much lower than twin engine fighters. India need fighter planes in quantity, grippen will bring that quantity and quality

Well it is costlier than Rafale for sure. Or at least in the Brazil deal, they paid more than what India paid for Rafale. And most countries are now paying even less. So the procurement cost is much higher.

 

[Sumit Waid]

It uses American F414 engines so it's not a reliable partner. The only option IAF has are Rafaels or MIGs. But given the backlog of Rafaels and over-reliability on Russia, none of them are practical. Our government is in a very tight spot on this.