Gripen, Hawk and South Africa
Gripen, Hawk and South Africa Today, the South African Defence Minister Patrick Lekota, confirmed the Government´s intention to fulfil the aircraft deal with 28 Gripen and 24 Hawk. In the package with 28 Gripen and 24 Hawk, with a total value of 15,8 billion Rand, the South African Government has put requirements on offset with the purpose to create growth in the South African economy. Saab and British Aerospace have mutually committed to execute projects for industrial growth of a value of 43 billion Rand during 11 years. The growth will be generated through business projects based on normal commercial requirements. Saab-BAe have identified some 100 projects, which are in different phases. In the proposal the Saab-BAe capability is exemplified by 17 projects. These projects are based on normal market economic standards and are thereby viable and standing on their own merits. If the projects for some reason are not viable, i.e. not profitable, they will be replaced with or complemented with other projects. The economic growth is based on three parameters, which are increase in domestic sales, increase in export and investments. Saab and British Aerospace´s role in these businesses is to be the catalyst, i.e. identify and realize new business opportunities which are beneficial to the South African economy and the companies involved. For further information, please contact: Jan Ahlgren, Saab AB Gripen, Director of Communications, tel: +46-13-18 39 07. Fax: +46-13-1854 27 or email coms@saab.se. Photos of Gripen are available on Internet www.gripen.se. ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/16/19990916BIT00420/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1999/09/16/19990916BIT00420/bit0002.pdf