LINKOPING, Sweden, Nov. 20 (UPI)

Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration has contracted Saab for upgrades and maintenance of its mobile airbase communications systems for remote deployments.

The contract is for three years with options for an additional four years. It carries an expected value of more than $22.6 million. The first task order under the award will be issued next year.

Saab said under the contract it will provide maintenance, change management and upgrades of communications platforms.

"By this order, [the] Swedish Defense Materiel Administration re-affirms their faith in our relationship and it is a testimony to our capability and performance in providing communication solutions in a competitive market," said Richard Price, head of Saab Security and Defense Solution's Critical System and Communication Solution business unit.

Additional details were not disclosed.

In other company news, Saab said it has received orders from Germany to supply defensive systems for the German Air Force's Tornado aircraft.

The equipment to be supplied, worth about $15 million, includes the BOZ-101 EC podded self-protection system, with the MAW-300 missile approach warning system.

Saab will also develop a new cockpit control unit for the defensive system's pod.

"These orders mark the first contract with Germany for Saab's MAW-300 missile approach warning system," said Micael Johansson, head of Saab's Electronic Defense System unit. "It is a breakthrough and a strong vote of confidence in Saab as an electronic warfare supplier.

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

15.11.2013 Helen Chachaty - journal-aviation.com

Le constructeur suédois Saab a annoncé ce 15 novembre que la marine espagnole avait déployé le drone Skeldar V-200 en opérations. Le drone VTOL se trouve à présent à bord du patrouilleur BAM Meteoro et y effectue des missions de surveillance et de renseignement en « binôme » avec un hélicoptère, dans le cadre de l’opération anti-piraterie européenne Atalante, au large du Golfe d’Aden.

Le communiqué diffusé confirme une rumeur des médias espagnols de juillet dernier, alors que Saab avait annoncé la vente à l’export du Skeldar, sans toutefois avoir dévoilé le nom du client.

Selon Saab, le drone Skeldar V-200 peut voler jusqu’à 130km/h et possède une autonomie de cinq heures.

Oct 9, 2013 ASDNews Source : Saab AB

Defence and security company Saab has signed a contract on deliveries of components for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon system.

The order has a total value of SEK 434 million and comprises components for ammunition to the latest version of the Carl-Gustaf system, a modern ground support weapon system. The contract also includes an option for additional orders with a total value of SEK 114 million.

“Carl-Gustaf is a world leading system and a key component of armed forces throughout the world. With each new model the demand for the system increases in many strategic markets. The Carl-Gustaf system has been sold to over 40 countries,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Read more

L'avion de combat suédois Gripen dans la ligne de mire des Suisses

08/10/2013 Michel Cabirol – LaTribune.fr

Ce mardi débute en Suisse la collecte pour recueillir en 100 jours les 50.000 signatures nécessaires à l'organisation d'un référendum sur le projet d'achat d'avions de combat suédois.

LINKOPING, Sweden, Sept. 23 (UPI)

Saab has announced plans to cut 150-175 workers from its Electronic Defense Systems business area because of decreased business volume and technology changes.

The cuts will occur at its facility in the city of Gothenburg, Sweden, and will be achieved through what it called a competence shift program, based on voluntary participation. Staff will be encouraged to take up other positions within Saab. Those who leave the company will be provided with various support services.

"We are a world leader within radar systems and are continuing to invest in the product portfolio in order to be even more competitive in the present technological shift," said Micael Johansson, head of Saab's Electronic Defense Systems business area. "Reduced business volumes have resulted in under-utilization of resources and staff [and] ... we must constantly adapt our business to ensure that we stay competitive on the global market.

"Competence shift following staff redundancy has been successfully implemented previously at our operations in Gothenburg and at other major Swedish companies. I am optimistic that this situation will present good opportunities for our employees."

18.09.2013 Helen Chachaty - journal-aviation.com

Le Conseil des États - organe de représentation des cantons, chambre haute du Parlement - a approuvé ce matin le déblocage des 3,126 milliards de francs suisses (2,5 milliards d’euros) nécessaires à l’acquisition des 22 Gripen E commandés à Saab. Le vote final des sénateurs donnait 27 voix pour et 17 contre.

Mercredi dernier, le 11 septembre, c’est le Conseil national qui avait approuvé le projet d’achat.

La prochaine étape aura lieu le 27 septembre prochain, lors du vote final, qui lancera le processus d’acquisition des chasseurs du constructeur suédois.

Seule ombre au tableau, la probable tenue d’un référendum populaire en mai 2014, qui ne portera pas sur l’acquisition des avions, mais plutôt sur le mécanisme de financement.

Les 22 Gripen de Saab remplaceront à terme la flotte de F-5 Tiger. Les premières livraisons devraient avoir lieu à partir de 2018.

Sept. 13, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Saab Gripen blog; posted Sept. 13, 2013)

Thailand Declares Its Gripen Integrated Air Defense System Commissioned

Just five and a half years after the signing ceremony in Stockholm February 2008, the undertaking by Sweden to provide the Royal Thai Air Force with 12 Gripen C/D aircraft, two SAAB 340 AEWs, radar and other systems, training and on-site support in a project called Peace Suvarnabhumi nears completion.

Despite the technological and logistic complexity, geographical distance and time difference, this project has run on time thanks to dedicated stakeholders and skilled staff in both countries. It is the first large defense project by Sweden in Asia.

The latest stamp of approval of this bilateral success came 11 September as the Royal Thai Air Force declared the Gripen Integrated Air Defense System commissioned as a fully operational part of the air force at its home base, Wing 7 in Surat Thani.

General Thanasak Patimaprakorn, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, officiated over the ceremony along with RTAF Commander ACM Prajin Juntong and high ranking representatives from the Royal Thai Army and the Royal Thai Navy, watched by Thai and Swedish guests.

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

11 September 2013, Saab Press Release

Defence and security company Saab has been awarded a contract for Multispectral Static Camouflage Nets from Canadian Department of National Defence (DND). The order amounts to MSEK 54 with the right to exercise several options with for potential additional orders of MSEK 44 over 5 years.

“Saab has an unrivalled leading position in the world within Signature Management technology. We continue to attract and retain new and existing customers around the globe,” says Anders Wiman, Managing Director for Saab Barracuda

Saab Barracuda’s advanced Camouflage technology products have been exported to more than 50 countries. Saab offers a unique package of camouflage systems and force protection solutions with the purpose to decrease the enemy’s ability to detect and engage. These solutions protect camps, vehicles and personnel against hostile sensors and enemy target acquisition.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

Sept. 09, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Saab Gripen blog; posted Sept. 6, 2013)

RTAF Received Their Last Three Ordered Gripen

Three SAAB Gripen C aircraft ordered by Thailand safely arrived 4 September at their home base Wing 7 in Surat Thani, Thailand. The aircraft were received by happy RTAF pilots and officers.

These were the last of twelve Gripen C/D aircraft Thailand agreed to purchase in a G2G integrated air defense agreement with Sweden signed early 2008. RTAF will inaugurate the operational “Gripen Integrated Air Defense System” on 11 September with a ceremony at Wing 7.

The ferry flight took off from Linköping, Sweden, 30 August, on a route that took them to Greece, Jordan, Qatar, Oman and India before Thailand. They spent a total of 16.5 flight hours before touch down at Wing 7.

 September 4th, 2013 defencetalk.com

On the occasion of finalising talks between Czech and Swedish parties on prolongation of a lease agreement of SAAB 39 Gripen supersonic aircraft, Czech PM Jiri Rusnok visited 21st Tactical Air Force Base at Caslav to get more information on operation of these aircraft and conditions of their pilots who guard Czech air space daily for eight years.

A squadron of SAAB 39 Gripen (also known as JAS-39 Gripen) aircraft serves not only for the Czech Republic but also within NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System. “I am glad that pilots are very satisfied with the equipment they use. I think that this aircraft seems to be optimal choice for our military at all, that is in tactical, combat and operational economic respects,” said Jiri Rusnok, Prime Minister of the Czech Republic at the Caslav Base.

PM Rusnok was accompanied by Minister of Defence Vlastimil Picek and Chief of the General Staff of ACR Lieutenant General Petr Pavel. They toured the whole base including infrastructure and support facilities where pilots of SAAB had passed their experience with service. In discussion, Minister Picek, General Pavel and commander of the 21TAFB Colonel Petr Hromek informed PM Rusnok about risky factors that would possibly occure in transition to another type of supersonics.

Talks with the Swedish party resulted in mutually advantageous draft agreement on prolongation of the lease of 14 Gripen aircraft for more than ten years. Minister of Defence Vlastimil Picek said that the decision over the prolongation would probably take the next government and added that the present one had created the best for really simple decision in future.

Aug 27, 2013 ASDNews Source : Saab AB

Earlier today, the security committee of the National Council (Nationalrat) in the Swiss Parliament debated and voted “yes” to the procurement of Gripen E.

The committee reached a majority “yes” vote – 14 in favour and 9 against - and it is anticipated that the procurement will progress to the plenum of the Nationalrat for votation in the September session.

“We are naturally very pleased by the decision of the security committee of the Nationalrat. This is a very positive endorsement of the Gripen programme.

Whilst we continue to respect and follow the political process, we also continue to assemble the pre-production Gripen E. Also, our Swiss industrial participation programme aiming at creating business between the suppliers to Saab and Swiss companies is progressing. It has today seen 456 contracts signed between our suppliers and 117 Swiss companies valued at 315 MCHF,” says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Executive Vice President and Head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.