Indian Govt Would Pick Partners For Gripen E: Swedish Air Chief
“If the Indian Government chooses Gripen, it will also choose Saab’s partnering companies for industrial cooperation in the country,” says Swedish Air Force Chief Maj Gen Mats Eric Helgesson.
On being asked if the US made GE F414 afterburning turbofan engine may not come under the transfer of technology promise, Helgesson assures that it will. “Whatever is promised under the Gripen offer, will be delivered,” he says.
The Indian Air Force had issued a Request For Information (RFI) in April this year for acquisition of 110 fighters, out of which 85% should be built under the Make in India programme.
Saab believes that Gripen E will be the perfect fit for the Indian Air Force. The fighter has been designed to provide operational dominance and flexibility with superior mission survivability. It offers an enviable 10-minute operational turnaround time, and is compatible with the latest weapons, sensors and mission systems.
Sweden’s Gripen offer to India includes a true transfer of technology programme that will pave way to solid industrial cooperation between the two countries. Saab proposes to establish the world’s most modern fighter aircraft manufacturing capability in India.
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