Five Reasons Why Gripen E Is The Right Fighter For India
As the Indian government sets about its journey of acquiring 110 new fighters this month, all eyes are on the various options available for the IAF.
Saab believes its Gripen E fighter to be the ideal solution for the challenges faced by the Indian defence forces. One of the most advanced multi-role fighters in the world, Gripen E has been designed to provide operational dominance and flexibility with superior mission-survivability. The fighter offers an enviable 10-minute operational turnaround time, and is compatible with the latest weapons, sensors and mission systems.
Here are five specific reasons why Gripen E is the perfect fighter for India:
Technology Transfer
As per the recently announced RFI, out of the 110 fighter jets required by India, 85% will have to be built in the country under the “Make in India” program. For Saab, transfer of technology is more than transferring assembly lines to India. From sharing know-how to transforming their proposed India facility into a regional hub for Gripen, Saab’s ToT offer envisions the overall growth of the Indian defence industry. Saab’s successful ToT program in Brazil so far further proves that the company is committed to its strategic partnership policy with Gripen-operating nations.
Multi-role capabilities
The RFI also mentions the requirement of day-and-night-capable, all-weather, multi-role combat aircraft. Gripen E is the most advanced multi-role fighter that has been designed to meet various demanding operational requirements of air forces today. The fighter can not only seamlessly shift between its air-to-air, air-to-ground and reconnaissance roles, but also act in multiple roles simultaneously.
Net-centric warfare capability
A fighter mission can be compared to a large scale game of chess. It is very important that every decision is backed by the right evaluation of a scenario. During a live mission, this can only be possible if correct information is shared within the Gripen Tactical unit. Gripen offers proven Network Centric Warfare capabilities including advanced data communications, dual data links, satellite communications and video links, ensuring high situational awareness to the pilot. The net-centric capabilities include data link within the tactical air unit, between Gripen AEW&C and C2 centers on ground or at sea, and with the Forwards Air Controller.
Weapons System
Gripen E can be integrated with weapons for all types of missions; from guided glide bombs for precision engagement with low collateral damage, to long-range and agile air-to-air missiles and heavy anti-ship armaments. Because of its flexible avionic architecture, new weapons can be easily tested and/or added to Gripen. For example, the Swedish Air Force has now integrated the Meteor, which is an active radar guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) in its Gripen fighters.
Tactical Agility
Gripen E is the only fighter which rapidly adapts to unfolding developments and stays relevant over time. Equipped with a smart avionics architecture, old algorithms can be replaced by new ones without reducing the high availability of the aircraft. The architecture is also the basis for making rapid hardware and weaponry updates, with a high degree of alteration for each customer nation. Gripen E is not only a smart fighter of today but for generations to come. It will not only allow the operator not just to keep at pace with evolution, but also to lead it. This is what we have created and what sets Gripen E apart from any other fighter.