Gripen proposal to Norway delivered
On behalf of the Swedish Government, FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) today handed over Sweden’s proposal regarding Norway’s Future Combat Aircraft. The 48 Gripen fighters that Sweden has offered to Norway meets all the requirements that Norway has specified in the request documentation for the Royal Norwegian Air Force Future Combat Aircraft.
The Gripen fighter for Norway is a true swing-role next generation combat fighter to meet Norway’s needs for the defence of its national territory, including surveillance of the high North, and participation in international, multi-national forces. Gripen is fully NATO interoperable, can carry a wide range of internationally sourced weapons, includes increased combat range and endurance, additional weapons carriage capability and increased payload, a more powerful engine and super cruise capability. The proposal also includes a joint logistic solution and other areas of multinational cooperation that will reduce the operational cost for both countries.
Besides the operational requirements the Swedish offer meets the Norwegian requirements regarding life cycle costs, and the Swedish offer includes very low acquisition, operation and support costs compared to alternative platforms.
–I am proud to say that the offer we have delivered today meets, or exceeds, all Norwegian operational and other requirements. This has been possible through a jointly effort between the Swedish Government, FMV and Swedish industry and we are confident that the Swedish offer is the complete solution to meet Norway’s future combat aircraft requirements, says Gunnar Holmgren, Director General of FMV.
An integral part of the Swedish offer to Norway is a commitment on the part of the Swedish Government to operate the same advanced version of the Gripen fighter aircraft as offered to Norway, in the event that Norway selects Gripen as its future combat aircraft. This offer creates a win-win situation for both countries, as they would not only share the development costs for the new fighter but would also share future enhancements over the future operational life of Gripen fighter aircraft for the next 30-40 years.
For further information please contact Ulf Lindström, Communications Manager at FMV, cell phone + 46 70 982 63 96, E-mail: ulf.lindstrom@fmv.se
FMV creates the defence equipment of the future for the total defence organisation. We identify, propose and introduce innovative, technically advanced and cost-effective equipment. With high defence and system development expertise gathered under professional project management, we collaborate with industry, the total defence organisation and civil authorities, both nationally and internationally.