Saab will provide upgrades and support services to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration’s fleet of JAS 39 Gripen C/D.
The FMV placed an order for continued operation and capability enhancements for the fighter aircraft under a newly awarded contract valued at $51.9 million.
Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business unit, said the development ensures that Gripen C/D can continue flying beyond 2030. “The upgrade of Gripen C/D is an important step in maintaining a high level of operational capability in the turbulent world we live in,” the executive said.
The contract encompasses new designs for the aircraft’s development and simulation environments and support systems so that the FMV’s Gripen C/D will work seamlessly with the latest E variant.
Saab’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground combat and reconnaissance missions.
Sweden currently has around 95 units of the aircraft purchased between 1996 and 2007.
The Stockholm-based defense company delivered the first Gripen E aircraft to the FMV on Oct. 20. The modern multi-role fighter aircraft is expected to be operational in 2025.