Gripen fighter aircrafts ready for take off

Published: Oct 27, 2005
Source: www.sabcnews.com



The first of the 28 Gripen fighter aircrafts acquired as part of the multi-billion rands arms deal is ready to take to the skies. South African fighter pilots are currently being trained in Sweden to handle these jets.

The government believes it was necessary to acquire this aircraft for strategic defence purposes. The contracts signed in 1999 were the largest arms procurement purchase in South Africa's history.

The deal included four Corvettes, three Submarines, 28 Gripen fighter jets, 24 hawks and 30 light utility helicopters.

The first Gripen - able to refuel in the air - is now ready to take to the South African skies. General Carlos Gagiano, the chief of the SA airforce, says the Gripen will be used in peace missions or as part of the African Union standby force.

Part of the deal is to maintain the aircraft for more than four decades.continue..