Gripen International awarded Hungarian contract
2 January 2002
FMV (The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) has awarded Gripen International, owned jointly by Saab of Sweden and the United Kingdom's BAE SYSTEMS, a contract for the adaptation and support of Swedish Air Force Gripen swing-role fighters designated for use by the Hungarian Air Force.
Gripen International will manage the contract as prime contractor and award a number of sub-contracts to ensure the Hungarian requirements are met. The main sub-contract will be to Saab AB (approximately SEK 1 billion) to adapt the aircraft to Hungarian needs and support the aircraft over its 10 year service period.
The company will be responsible for adapting Swedish Gripen aircraft to the specification required by the government of Hungary for the modernisation of its air force to meet national and NATO defense needs.
"Swedish Air Force variants of Gripen have already operated successfully with aircraft from NATO forces in PFP exercises. Our work will ensure that Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighters are fully NATO compatible and interoperable and will allow the Hungarian Air Force to maximise its contribution for NATO's collective defence," said Ian McNamee, managing director, Gripen International.
Under the government-to-government lease agreement, 14 Gripen fighters will be delivered to Hungary from Sweden in batches, beginning late 2004. The Hungarian Air Force's Gripen squadron will become fully operational during 2005.
Initial training of pilots and technicians will be carried out in Sweden, while UK Government support will provide Hungarian aircrew and other personnel with English language training and experience of NATO operations, as required.
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DSD