Stories

The power of one can accomplish much. The power of a team can accomplish significantly more. Someone who knows what it means to have a team backing you up are the people working at Saab’s Support Center in Sola, Norway.

Earlier this month, three Czech Gripen pilots trained for air-to-air refuelling during an international exercise in Sweden, reports afbcaslav.cz. Officially called the International Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) Conversion Training, the exercise was conducted from 2nd to 6th November. 

On April 18, 2005, the first six JAS-39C Gripen single-seat supersonic combat airplanes bearing the roundels of the Czech Republic landed at the Čáslav Air Base. On July 1, 2005, the Gripen fighters became a part of the NATO Integrated Air Defence System (NATINADS, later NATINAMDS – NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence System), succeeding their MiG-21 MFN predecessors. By the end of August, all the airplanes – 12 single-seaters and a pair of two-seaters – had been delivered.

Gripen and its predecessors have been championing in the area of low cost per flight hour for decades. With Gripen, it's about focusing on what's necessary and making the most of basic requirements, while keeping the overall costs to a minimum. However, it is also important to point out that the cost-effectiveness of Gripen does not compromise its performance.

On 26th October, a Symposium to present Gripen E was held by the Brazilian Air Force. The event was promoted by COMPREP (Preparation Command) along with Saab. The purpose of this event was to present the main characteristics of the new Brazilian Gripen E to pilots and members of Air Units of Fighter Aviation, reports Poder Aereo.

In an episode of the Fighter Pilot Podcast, former lieutenant in the Swedish Air Force, Mikael “Duke” Grev, talks about his first impression of Gripen, most memorable mission, favorite thing about the fighter and more.

In a triple celebration, the new Brazilian Gripen E (F-39E) was presented on Aviator's Day and the Brazilian Air Force Day which was held at Wing 1, Brazil, on October 23rd. The event was attended by important figures including Jair Bolsonaro and Fernando Azevedo e Silva, the Brazilian President and Brazilian Defence Minister, respectively.

​​​​You are sitting at the airport and your cell phone battery is running low. "Well, no movie on the plane then" you think, but then you see a charging station, perfect! You plug in your mobile and can enjoy the movie on the plane. What you do not know, is that now your device might be infected with a virus or malware.

The individual, a soldier or a commanding officer, is the centrepiece in a modern force. And consequently, in all modern training too. Live training is all about experience the elements of combat, in advance.

In a recent interview by czdefence.cz, Petr Tománek, commander of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Čáslav, gives a detailed account of the Czech Gripen, and sheds light on what it is like to operate the multi-role combat aircraft.