Gripen blog
Flexible deployability and short take-off capabilities were part of Gripen's design from the beginning. These capabilities were inherent from earlier Saab fighters that came before Gripen which were designed to operate in Bas 90 system. The system, created during Cold War, uses a dispersed air basing strategy to make surprise attacks difficult for the opponent. What we see in Gripen today is an enhanced version of these inherent capabilities backed by the best logistics support.
During a recent Saab webinar with leading Indian defence journalists, Major General Mats Eric Helgesson, former Swedish Air Force Commander, took the participants through the Swedish Air Force operations today.
In part 3 of the training for Gripen video, test pilot Major Abdon undergoes hypoxia symptom recognition training where he learns to handle decreased oxygen pressure at altitude.
In the race to make fighter jets in India, Saab offers cutting edge technology and large-scale knowledge transfer that will boost the defence manufacturing sector of the country. According to the proposal, the manufacturing of 96 out of the 114 Gripen fighters will be overseen by INAC (Indian Aircraft Company), which is the proposed Industrial hub that Saab intends to set up in India.
One way that Gripen achieves maximum operational effect and high availability is through its inherent smart support system. Episode 9 of True Collaboration Season 3 talks more about the effective maintenance solution that comes with Gripen which makes it ready to be deployed at all times.
The Gripen F development advanced to a new phase with the first metal cut in March this year. Not only the event flag off the Gripen F production, it also marked an important milestone in the Brazilian Gripen programme both for Saab and the Brazilian partners involved.
The Gripen for India offer by Saab goes beyond the fighter procurement. Just like the contract with Brazil, Saab aims to set up a truly capable and self-reliant defence industry in India by creating sustainable high-tech jobs, transferring technology and know-how, and generating sustainable export business.
On September 24, the first Brazilian Gripen E, designated by Brazilian Air Force (FAB) as F-39 Gripen, concluded its first flight in Brazil. The aircraft flew from the airport in Navegantes to Embraer´s facility in Gavião Peixoto.
In part two of the training for Gripen video, test pilot Major Abdon undergoes a series of exercises that include water survival training, safe landing in case of injection, and intense G-force training. This video is a part of a new series by Saab Brazil which gives us a glimpse of what the training for a Gripen pilot entails.
The Czech Air Force has been a Gripen user for 15 years. When Gripen entered service with the Czech Air Force in 2005, it replaced old Russian technology. Within just a couple of years, the Czech Air Force did not just start to use a new type of aircraft; they started using a completely new system as well as adapting to a new way of working. This only hints at how remarkable the capability enhancement within the Air Force was, and how it has continued to progress ever since.