Sweden’s Saab points to make Gripen jets in India
Author yuvamind
NEW DELHI: Swedish defence major Saab has pointed to manufacture its fifth generation Gripen fighter aircraft in India coupled with technology transfer in a renewed bid for a pie in the multi-billion dollar IAF renovation plan.
Saab, which had lost out in the medium multi-role combat aircraft tender in 2011 to French firm Dassault Aviation, anticipates the IAF will need more than the 36 Rafale fighters India is buying from France to beef up its depleting fleet.
Defence major Saab is not only pointing to establish a base in India but also assist in the development of aerospace capability for 100 years and partner in developing the next version of indigenous LCA Tejas.
Head of Saab ' s aeronautics division Ulf Nilsson said the offer of technology transfer would be fact as they are offering India ' full system control ' and ' full software control ' .
Saab (India) Chief Jan Widerstrom said the company is also ready to stick by India ' s negative list, as was made inform by defence minister Manohar Parrikar last month, when it comes to exporting fighters from India to other countries.