Gripen Expands Its Advanced Weapons Capabilities

Published: Aug 29, 2005
Source: www.gripen.com



The Gripen weapons integration program is constantly evolving. With precision guided munitions testing essentially complete, the development team will soon start work with the Meteor advanced beyond visual range air-to-air missile.

Throughout late 2004 and into 2005, much of the Gripen test team’s development work has been focussed on meeting the needs of the Czech and Hungarian Air Forces.
This same work is linked with the Swedish Air Force’s own requirements and will ensure that all Gripen operators have a common capability standard for weapons and systems.

Gripen’s precision weapons system is almost fully cleared for service and will be one of the core capabilities delivered to the Hungarian Air Force. To date the Czech Air Force has not contracted for an air-to-ground weapons fit, but Czech pilots will still be able to train for the air-to-ground role using Gripen’s existing onboard systems. Hungarian
Gripens will be cleared to use the Litening III laser designation pod (LDP) along with GBU-10, GBU-12 and GBU-16 Paveway II laser guided bombs (LGBs). The Gripens will have a full night-attack/all-weather precision guided munition (PGM) capability.continue..