Gripen targets Nordic JSF states

Posted on: Apr. 3rd, 2006 || Source: flightglobal.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

Gripen targets Nordic JSF states

Gripen International has proposed a common Nordic industrial programme for further development of the Swedish Saab JAS39 fighter as the centrepiece of its responses to tender requests from Denmark and Norway. Both countries are conducting formal competitions in the lead-up to decisions later this year on whether to commit to procurement of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter or acquire alternative aircraft.

Norway is a key battleground for Lockheed as it tries to keep all eight international participants in JSF system development and demonstration (SDD) on board for the production, sustainment and follow-on development (PSFD) phase. Norwegian industry discontent with their participation has fuelled political opposition to the JSF.

The “Nordic solution” proposed by Gripen International would involve direct industrial participation by Denmark and Norway in ongoing spiral development of the JAS39, said senior vice-president for international sales Bob Kemp at last week’s FIDAE show in Chile. The Norwegian tender response “makes it very clear to them it is a Nordic approach”, he says.

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