Czech Republic recommends Gripen
Czech Republic recommends Gripen The Czech evaluation commission for aircraft procurement has today recommended Gripen to its government ahead of several other competitors. The Swedish offer constitutes a loan from the Swedish state to the Czech state. Today's decision is a stage in the decision-making process ahead of the Czech government's final decision. Sweden is offering to loan the Czech Republic 14 new Gripen fighter aircraft for five or 10 years. The Gripen fighters are fully NATO interoperable and were originally intended for delivery to the Swedish Air Force. If the Czech Republic chooses the Gripen the Swedish state will fully cover any costs associated with the loan. If the deal does go ahead, Saab will need to perform some modifications and support to match Czech requirements, although the aircraft will be virtually identical to the 39 C standard designed for the Swedish Air Force. Gripen International with its owners Saab and BAE Systems have also offered industrial co-operation equivalent to 150% of the contract value. Delivery is planned to begin in the summer of 2005. Saab is one of the world's leading high-technology companies, with its main operations focusing on defence, aviation and space. The group covers a broad spectrum of competence and capabilities in systems integration. For further information please contact: Iréne Svensson, Group Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Saab AB, Phone ++46 (0)734 187130 irene.svensson@saab.se www.saab.se ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/12/01/20031201BIT01310/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/12/01/20031201BIT01310/wkr0002.pdf