Saab Committed To Full Technology Transfer
Saab is fully committed to complete transfer of technology to India for the Single Engine fighter aircraft programme. Saab has a comprehensive Make in India program which will include setting up of a full manufacturing facility; transfer of state-of-the-art technology; setting up of an Aerospace eco-system in India; creation of a local supplier base of ancillary systems; employment of a well-trained Indian workforce.
According to Saab India Chairman Jan Widerstrom, “Saab is committed to full technology transfer to India in connection with Indian procurement of Gripen E”.
“We will build the world’s most modern aerospace facility and ecosystem in India. We will abide by the terms of the Strategic Partnership that would be set by the government for the single engine fighter aircraft programme and will undertake complete transfer of technology to the chosen joint venture partner,” says Widerstrom.
The Make in India program will be based on the Strategic Partnership model that the government has defined and follow the process, terms and requirements. Saab will work with its Indian joint venture partners to ensure that transfer of technology takes place in a manner that it not only transfer technology but also complete capability.
Saab sees a green field operation where the company will train people in India and in Sweden to be able to design, develop, manufacture and maintain in India. Saab is committed to building capability both from the bottom of the supply chain and from the top of the supply chain. “There will be a lot of training in Sweden and in India, and industry-academia-government cooperation. In that way we can reach an indigenous capability to maintain, to sustain, to further develop Gripen in India. We will not simply move an assembly line; we will build development capability. We will Design, Produce, Support, Innovate in India,” says Widerstrom.