First of 28 Gripen fighters arrives in SA

Posted on: Jul. 17th, 2006 || Source: iol.co.za | E-mail Article | Print Article

The first Gripen jet fighter was off-loaded at the Cape Town docks on Sunday and towed to Ysterplaat airforce base. Built in Sweden by Saab Aerospace, the Gripen is the first of 28 South Africa has bought as part of the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal.

The jet will go to the Overberg, where it will be put through a test programme at Denel's Test Flight and Development Centre.

The jet has been described by the South African correspondent for Jane's Defence Weekly as "probably the best medium-weight fighter in the world today", while an aviation test pilot for Denel had said its ability to make short take-offs and landings on roadways, makes it ideal for airfields in the bush.

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