April 6, 2014 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Swiss Dept. of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport; issued)

(Issued in French; unofficial translation by Defense-Aerospace.com)

The DDPS Distances Itself from A "Plan B" for the Acquisition of Combat Aircraft

This weekend, various media have discussed a "Plan B" in case the acquisition of 22 Gripen aircraft was refused in the referendum that will be held on May 18, 2014.

The DDPS distances itself from these allegations and will in all cases respect the decisions taken democratically.

According to these media reports, Switzerland could acquire every 15 years a full squadron of 12 fighters that could be financed in the usual way, and which thus would not require approval by referendum. The current fleet of 86 combat aircraft (32 F/A-18s and 54 F-5 Tigers) could be replaced over the long term by 50 to 70 new aircraft, these reports claim.

The DDPS wishes to distance itself from these statements.

It would indeed not acceptable to acquire combat aircraft shortly after a negative decision of the people. The government’s message about the vote makes it clear that the aircraft will not be purchased if the law on the Gripen funds is not approved.

According to the people who made these allegations would lead to a fleet of 50 to 70 aircraft, but their reasoning is confused. Combat aircraft have a lifespan of about 30 years. If we bought 12 combat aircraft every 15 years, the fleet size would be 24 aircraft. This is far too little to ensure the security of Switzerland, and is even lower than the current F/A-18 fleet, without the Gripen.

Moreover, the acquisition of only 12 combat aircraft could, depending on the model, cost 2 to 3 billion francs. In addition, a reduction in the number of aircraft increase economic inconsistencies, as part of the infrastructure is almost independent of the number of units purchased.

Finally, it should be noted that an important reason for the choice of financing the acquisition of Gripen through a fund was to give the possibility of a referendum. From a purely financial point of view, the acquisition of this magnitude could also be done in the normal way, not through a special fund as is now the case.

The DDPS is satisfied that the acquisition of 22 Gripen is necessary for the security of Switzerland and its people. By itself, the fleet of 32 F/A-18 is not enough, and the proposed acquisition is a realistic solution.

DDPS will in all cases strictly conform to the democratic decision.

30.03.2014 rts.ch

Le système de communication des Gripen E est sur la sellette. Selon Le Matin Dimanche, Saab a décidé de travailler avec une société américaine proche du Département américain de la défense.

Les Gripen E convoités par l’armée suisse seront équipés d’un système de communication américain, selon une information du Matin Dimanche. Le groupe aéronautique suédois Saab a en effet écarté la société bernoise Roschi Rohde & Schwartz, pressentie pour équiper les futurs Gripen, et choisi le géant américain Rockwell Collins, proche du Département américain de la défense.

Selon des experts dans le domaine de la guerre électronique, les Américains pourraient accéder aux transmissions des jets suisses. Les clés de cryptage seront suisses, mais le boîtier du système et son logiciel seront américains.

Pas d'accès au code source

Les Helvètes n’auront pas accès au code source et la maintenance se fera aux Etats-Unis. De quoi permettre aux Américains de poser un mouchard s’ils le souhaitent, estiment les experts.

Interrogés par Le Matin Dimanche, le Département de la défense (DDPS) et Saab répondent que "l'utilisation de composants (ndlr: hardware et software) non européens n’a jamais été exclue".

Nov. 18, 2013 by Craig Hoyle – FG

London - Sweden expects to know by no later than the fourth quarter of 2014 whether the Swiss government will be able to move ahead with its planned acquisition of 22 Saab Gripen E fighters, with its timetable to be driven by a potential public referendum.

Opponents to the proposed deal have until January to secure the 50,000 signatures needed to call a referendum that would question the need to replace the Swiss air force’s Northrop F-5 interceptors. “We would expect a referendum in either May or September 2014” should they succeed, says Lt Col Klas Petersson, head of international relations for the Swedish air force’s Air Component Command.

“We are planning for a positive outcome, but fully respect their decision process,” Petersson told IQPC’s International Fighter conference in London on 14 November. “At the moment there is no ‘Plan B’,” he adds, noting: “we are inter-dependent on each other.”

Sweden’s parliament has approved its own national purchase of 60 new-generation Gripen Es, on the condition that the development is advanced in cooperation with an export customer.

Switzerland selected the developmental Gripen E to replace its aged F-5s following a competition with the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, with Boeing’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet also having previously been on offer. If approved, the purchase will lead to the introduction of a new fleet of the Swedish-built type from 2018, following the interim use of surplus Gripen C/Ds starting in 2016.

Saab is on schedule to fly its first of three Gripen E test aircraft during 2015, with current development activities being supported using an adapted B-model demonstrator (above). To enter use in 2018 in the MS21 operating standard, the new version boasts increased range and supercruise performance, plus the ability to carry a wider range and volume of air-launched weapons

Sep 12, 2013 ASDNews Source : Saab AB

Earlier today the National Council (Nationalrat), which is one of the two chambers in the Swiss Parliament, reached a majority “yes” vote regarding the procurement of Gripen E.

There were several motions and votations made in the Parliament, all positive for the Gripen procurement. The main votation was the endorsement of the procurement with 113 votes for and 68 against. The financing and Gripen fund law were also passed with strong majorities.

The procurement now moves to the other chamber in the Swiss Parliament, the Council of States (Ständerat), where a vote on financing is scheduled for the 18 September, and where a positive vote for Gripen E had been made earlier this year.

“Naturally we are pleased by the vote in the Nationalrat, which is another positive endorsement of Gripen E,” says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

“Whilst we respect and are following the political process closely, we continue to progress our Swiss industrial participation programme, which is generating business throughout all regions of Switzerland. Even before a Gripen order has been signed, contracts have been signed between our suppliers and 117 Swiss companies valued at 315 MCHF. Saab continues to increase these values whilst ensuring the regional distribution of the business,” adds Mr. Sindahl

Jul 4, 2013 ASDNews Source : Saab AB

Defence and security company Saab has started the assembly of  the next generation Gripen, the Gripen E. First to be constructed is the front fuselage of the first pre-production test aircraft 39-8.

Following a short and intense period of design using the latest tools and methods, through so called ‘Model Based Design’, the construction of the Gripen E begins with the manufacturing and assembly of all parts of the fuselage; the largest and most time consuming part of the airframe. These parts will then be joined together and assembled into a complete airframe. This is followed by an intensive construction period to install cables, mount systems, the outer shell and other equipment. More than 1,000 people at Saab are now working solely with the development and production of the Gripen E.

“What we are experiencing now is a leap in technology for Saab and the global aeronautical industry as we can see the latest and most modern fighter being constructed using the latest processes, methods and tools. This allows us to bring forward an even more capable fighter at an even more favourable life cycle cost,” says Lennart Sindahl, Head of Business Area Aeronautics at Saab. “Following years of R&D investments in aeronautical design, we can offer unique opportunities for transfer of knowledge and technology by inviting customer countries’ industries into the work on Gripen E. The Gripen E programme will also continue to drive technological development as well as the creation of jobs, both in Sweden and in other countries.”

Based on the design of previous versions of the Gripen system, the Gripen E offers a next generation sensor suite, new communication links, revolutionary avionics architecture, more thrust, increased flight time, more weapon stations and load capability, a fully digital cockpit including HUD (Head-Up Display) and a brand new electronic warfare system.

The test aircraft 39-8 will be the first complete pre-production version of the Gripen E and will be used to demonstrate new features and capabilites. The technological leaps in the Gripen E have been proven in the Gripen demonstrator programme with the Gripen E/F demo aircraft that has flown over 250 hours in countries such as Sweden, the UK, India and Switzerland (in Emmen in October 2012, January and April 2013) since 2008.

On February 15, Saab signed an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding development and modification of 60 Gripen E for Sweden during the period 2013-2026 as well as a possible order for new production of Gripen E for Switzerland.