Gripen agreement in Norway

Posted on: May. 2nd, 2007 || Source: gripen.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

4/26/2007 | The Norwegian Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strom-Erichsen and the Swedish Defence Minister Mikael Odenberg, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in development work on the future versions of Gripen. This agreement strengthens Gripen's chances of being selected as the future fighter aircraft for the Norwegian Air Force. The total value of the agreement is some 150 million Norwegian Kronor (approx. $25 million).

This agreement is an important step for Gripen as a candidate to be selected as Norway’s future fighter aircraft, which is planned to be in-service with the Norwegian Air Force around 2015. Through this agreement, the Norwegian authorities and Norwegian commercial companies will get an extensive understanding and insight into the Gripen system, leading to Norwegian participation in future development work in co-operation with Saab.

There was also a Letter of Agreement (LoA) signed between the Norwegian authorities and the Saab subsidiary Gripen International. This agreement will enable Norwegian companies to work on advanced development work in a range of high technology areas, such as composites, communication systems, studies and integration work for Norwegian weapon systems, ammunition, logistics and data systems. The total value is worth some 150 million NOK for a period of two years, with the option to further extend the agreement. At this time, Norwegian companies will take part in an increased industrial cooperation connected to the development of the future Gripen.

Gripen International Managing Director Johan Lehander is very positive about the forthcoming co-operation:

- These two agreements clearly emphasise the importance the Norwegian government puts in co-operation between Norway and Sweden. From a Saab perspective, it means that we are now industrial partners. In the longer term, it also strengthens the possibilities for Gripen to replace the current F- 16 fighter aircraft in the Norwegian Air Force, says Lehander.

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