The Gripen Solution for Hungary
The Gripen Solution for Hungary SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen has today submitted a proposal in response to Hungarian government's request for information (RFI) for the modernization of the Hungarian Air Force. The proposal is based on the supply of up to 24 NATO-interoperable Gripen fourth-generation multi-role/swing-role fighters. Supported by a flexible finance package and an innovative industrial cooperation program that would provide significant long-term economic benefits, the aircraft would be delivered from 2005. The specific benefits to Hungary of a Gripen solution are: From 2005, the delivery of up to 24 fourth-generation NATO-interoperable Gripen fighters, (including four two-seater variants) which will form the core of Hungary's modernized air force to fulfill its national defense and NATO requirements. Linked to the procurement of Gripen, an opportunity to further stimulate Hungarian industry in both the commercial and defence sectors through the development of strategic partnerships with key European companies. A long-term and flexible finance proposal, backed by the governments of Sweden and the United Kingdom, that could delay the normal initial capital outlay involved with a major acquisition program. A complete logistics and pilot-training support package which could include the opportunity for a number of Hungarian pilots to train with the Swedish Air Force on Gripen, enabling the early establishment of fully qualified multi-role/swing-role operational instructors and pilots. "A new-build Gripen solution is the best possible option for the Hungarian Air Force, for Hungarian industry and for the Hungarian national economy," states Jan Narlinge, managing director, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen. "It provides the best long-term solution for Hungary, not just in terms of meeting national and international defense obligations, but also in terms of affordability and delivering economic benefits." Backed by the Swedish and United Kingdom governments and supported by the combined experience and resource of companies including Volvo, Ericsson and Investor (one of the world's biggest industrial conglomerates) Gripen would provide Hungary with a significant, wide-ranging program of industrial benefits that go far beyond those associated with traditional offset. "Hungarian industry would benefit from participation in a comprehensive program of long-term partnerships across a wide range of industrial sectors," promised Torbjorn Edberg, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS' Gripen director for Hungary. "These partnerships and associated investments would not only provide Hungary with economic benefits before the first financial payment was due but would also continue well beyond the delivery period of the aircraft." Note to editors: Gripen is the world's first in service fourth-generation fighter, designed to meet all known and perceived 21st century defense threats. It is produced by a joint venture company, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen AB, in which Sweden's SAAB AB and BAE SYSTEMS of the United Kingdom (formerly British Aerospace) have equal shares. The joint venture combines the product strength of Gripen with BAE SYSTEMS´ extensive experience of supplying NATO and other world markets. It manufactures, markets and supports Gripen internationally. For further information please contact: John Neilson, Vice President Communications, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen Tel.: +44 (0) 1252 384795 Mobile: +44 (0) 802 337704 john.neilson@baesystems.com Marie Aktö, Communications Manager, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen Tel.: +46 (0) 13 184216 Mobile: +46 (0) 70 989 7110 marie.akto@saab.se www.gripen.se ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by BIT http://www.bit.se The following files are available for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/12/01/20001201BIT00370/bit0001.doc http://www.bit.se/bitonline/2000/12/01/20001201BIT00370/bit0002.pdf