Saab’s INAC Will Provide a Base for an Aatmanirbhar India
Saab has maintained from the start that the Gripen offer to India will be more than just transferring assembly lines. From co-developing aircraft parts to even taking export orders in future, the proposed Indian Aircraft Company or INAC will provide the base for a truly “self-reliant”, aka atmanirbhar Indian defense industry.
According to Head of Saab's Gripen India campaign, Mats Palmsberg, the INAC offer can be divided in two parts. The first part is related to the production, operation, and maintenance of the Gripen system. The second part of the “dual-track proposal” deals with the technological support that will be given to ongoing indigenous fighter programmes such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) MK2 and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
The INAC will be responsible for the assembly and delivery of 96 (out of the 114) Gripen aircraft. It will also take care of the design, upgradation and development of the fighter's software and hardware, as well as the maintenance, repair and overhaul of the Gripen system.
“Make in India is a key part of the procurement and our long-term plan is to build self-reliant capabilities in India. The whole thing will be centred on INAC and we don’t envisage taking the aircraft back to Sweden for overhauls or any other part of the programme,” Mats says.
Additionally, India's new defence FDI model, with the limit raised to 74% from 49%, will also be in favor of the proposed industrial cooperation between Sweden and India.
Saab also wishes to make several partners for its technology transfer program in India, and create an ecosystem for complete development and production of the Gripen fighter system in the country.
Through INAC, Saab aims to create sustainable high-tech jobs, transfer technology, and generate sustainable export business for the Indian defence industry. With all this, paired with the product offering of Gripen E, Saab feels that the Gripen India offer is truly the best choice for a self-reliant India.