March 2010
Defence and security company Saab received an order from FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) concerning development of the existing Gripen fleet. The order value amounts to SEK 2 billion for Saab, split over a period of four years.
January 2010
The first group of Thai Air Force technicians have arrived in Sweden for their initial maintenance type conversion course on the Gripen fighter.
The newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile was shown to the public for the first time at the South African Air Force’s 90th anniversary parade held at AFB Swartkop, Pretoria.
December 2009
Saab has entered into a partnership with Thai company Avia Satcom Co. Ltd., to form a joint venture for developing high technology products within aviation and defence.
November 2009
The Gripen fleet has now flown more than 130 000 hours and in November 2009 Gripen number 39210 became the first Gripen C to pass 1000 flight hours
Gripen NG Demonstrator started flight testing again on October 27 following a modification which includes the installation of an AESA radar.
October 2009
Two Gripen fighters from the Swedish Air Force F 17 Wing made a first visit to Croatia on October 5. They landed at Pleso 91st Air Force Base in Zagreb. The purpose of the visit was bilateral military co-operation.
The first Gripen NATO Pylon manufactured at Aero Vodochody in the Czech Republic was handed over to Saab during a ceremony on October 8.
On 2 October Saab submitted an update on the proposal offering 36 Gripen Next Generation (NG) to the Brazilian Air Force. The offer consists of a cost-effective solution, a comprehensive Technology Transfer and a unique competitive partnership between Brazil and Sweden.
September 2009
The first Gripen fighter for Thailand completed its maiden flight in Linköping, Sweden, on 16 September. The flight lasted for 80 minutes with Saab test pilot Mats Thorbiörnsson at the controls.
On 1 September the Czech Air Force signed off as guardians of the Baltic skies after four month on NATO Quick Reaction Alert from the Siauliai air base in Lithuania
July 2009
On 18-19 July, Gripen aircraft from Swedish and Hungarian air forces flew at the Royal International Air Tattoo in the UK.
June 2009
On the 11 June the first single-seat Gripen C destined for the South African Air Force flew for the first time. Flown by Saab test pilot Richard Ljungberg the aircraft took off from Saab's facility at Linköping in Sweden at 13.00 and touched down safely back at Linköping at 14.03 in the afternoon.
The Swedish Chief Prosecutor Christer van der Kwast decided on 16 June to close the preliminary investigation into Saab concerning alleged illegal methods in connection with the sale of Gripen.
Gripen participated in a multinational exercise conducted over northern Sweden between the 8th and 16th June. Air Forces from ten nations participated in the NATO-led operation Loyal Arrow to train methods for quick reaction and the ability to participate in international efforts.
The Annual Report on offset performance for 2008 has been approved by the Czech Ministry of Defence. The report concluded that the Gripen industrial co-operation programme in the Czech Republic generated CZK 4.94 billion in export value for the country.
On 2 June, Saab attended a conference on Swedish- Brazilian Industrial co-operation being held in São Paulo, together with the Brazilian Industry association, FIESP, and the Swedish Trade Council.
May 2009
Gripen’s unique strengths were successfully demonstrated on the very well attended Saab stand at IDET 5 – 7 May.
At the beginning of May, some 20 Danish politicians, including members of the parliamentary Defence Committee and the Defence Minister Søren Gade, visited Saab to gather more information about Gripen NG (Next Generation). Discussions about capability, cost, and industrial co-operation were on the agenda.
On 1 May, Gripens began policing the Baltic States’ airspace. The Czech Air Force is responsible for protecting the airspace of the Baltic countries until the end of August. Czech Gripen fighters will protect the airspace since the NATO members Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia do not have their own supersonic fighters. The Czech air force will have two Gripen fighters on 24/7 NATO QRA duty and the fighters will be based at Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania.
April 2009
Gripen’s unique strengths were successfully demonstrated on the spectacular Saab stand at LAAD 14-17 April. Visitors to Saab’s stand included the Brazilian Defence Minister, Nelson Jobim, and Sweden's Minister of Defence Sten Tolgfors.
Two Gripen D aircraft participated in the SA Air Force’s Airpower Demonstration in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The dual-seat state-of-the-art fighters were deployed in a typical peace enforcement scenario to provide a Combat Air Patrol over a ground-to-air reconnaissance mission and over a subsequent strike against insurgent forces.
March 2009
On 26 March it became clear that Saab and SELEX Galileo would enter co-operative development of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar for the Gripen Next Generation (NG) programme. The two companies have signed a Heads of Agreement which outlines the way forward in terms of their future working arrangements. The agreement, which is initially aimed at Brazil’s Fighter programme, signifies the beginning of a long-term collaboration between the companies.
Swedish Air Force combat pilots are now equipped with advanced night vision goggles and there is nothing to be afraid of in the dark for the pilots of 212 Fighter Squadron. Preparations for Exercise Cold Response, held in Norway in March, have seen the operational debut of night vision goggles (NVGs) with front-line Swedish Air Force (SAF) units. The use of NVGs brings particular benefits for operations during the short Nordic winter days.
February 2009
On 19 February, Saab and TCS launched their collaborative project, the Aeronautical Design and Development Centre, at a formal ceremony to mark the start of the aeronautical partnership.
An important first flight took place when the first aircraft in the latest order of 31 aircraft for the Swedish Armed Forces took to the air for the first time on February 16.
Gripen’s unique strengths were successfully demonstrated on the very well attended Saab stand at Aero India 11-15 February. Saab's Gripen offer to India and capabilities were presented on a press conference by Eddy De La Motte, Campaign Director, Saab.
Saab and TATA Consultancy Services (TCS) partnered Aeronautical Design and Development Centre (ADDC) has been awarded its first contract by Saab to participate in the aerostructural design and development for Gripen Next Generation.
On 2 February Saab handed over a tender for 36 Gripen Next Generation to the Brazilian Air Force Air Command. The tender was an answer to the formal Request for Proposal that was issued in the autumn 2008.
January 2009
On 21 January the Gripen Demo aircraft proved its ability to “Supercruise”, the ability to fly supersonic without the use of afterburner which results in fuel savings and an increase in range. The speed achieved was above Mach 1.2.
December 2008
In the presence of the Hungarian Defence Minister Imre Szekeres, the 14 Hungarian Gripen fighters have been declared operational, ready to take on NATO Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) duty from the Kecskemét airforce base.
On 10 December, Saab holds a press conference to comment on the Norwegian choice of fighter aircraft and to highlight a number of ambiguities in the Norwegian evaluation.
November 2008
29 November sees South Africa takes delivery of its fifth Gripen multi-role fighter as part of the SA Air Force’s modernisation and transformation programme. South Africa has ordered 26 Gripens, of which nine are dual seat aircraft.
The Norwegian Defense Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen announces that the Norwegian government intends to recommend negotiating with a Saab competitor company.
Saab welcomes the formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for the supply of new fighter aircraft for Brazil. Saab will submit a bid including 36 Gripen NG (Next Generation) to meet the requirement for future multi-role fighter aircraft for the Brazilian Air Force.
October 2008
On 1 September, the first group of South African Air Force pilots commence their Gripen conversion training at Air Force Base Makhado in the country’s Limpopo province. Two Swedish instructor pilots from Saab will be based at AFB Makhado for a period of 18 months, to undertake the training and support of the South African pilots.
Gripen fighters from the Swedish Air Force join RAF Tornado GR4 aircraft for the air component of the largest military exercise in Europe, when ‘Exercise Crown Condor’ takes place at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire from 6 – 16 October. The exercise offers an opportunity for RAF personnel to exchange ideas and gain experience operating with another nation and to foster strong relations with Sweden, a member of the Partnership for Peace programme with NATO.
The beginning of October sees the Gripen Next Generation (NG) fighter among only three aircraft selected for consideration for the Brazilian Air Force. The Brazilian Air Force announces that the procurement will concentrate on three alternatives Saab’s Gripen NG, Boeing’s F-18 E/F Super Hornet and Dassault’s Rafale
September 2008
On the first day of the biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence show, staged in Cape Town, South Africa, history was made when Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota officially handed over the first of the country’s fleet of new generation Gripen fighters to Lt. Gen. Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the South African Air Force. The occasion was marked in style with a fly past of four of South Africa’s fleet of twenty-six Gripen fighters, with the spectacular backdrop of Cape Town’s famous Table Mountain Saab and Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS) have signed a letter of intent regarding establishment of an Aeronautical Design and Development Centre (ADDC) in India.
In the Netherlands, following the submission of its proposals in response to the Dutch MoD’s F-16 Replacement programme, the Saab/Gripen team holds a press conference in Den Haag to outline its proposals to the Dutch media. The Saab proposal offers an all-inclusive package comprising eighty-five (85) fully compliant NATO interoperable Gripen Next Generation (NG) true multi-role fighter aircraft. Gripen NG meets all of the RNLAF operational requirements, has unbeatable low acquisition, operation and support costs and with technology transfer, will provide unrivalled access enabling autonomy and increased national security.
August 2008
On 25 August, Saab responds to the F16 Replacement Questionnaire issued by the Dutch Ministry of Defence, offering 85 Gripen NG (Next Generation) multi-role fighter aircraft, training, spares, simulators and support to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
15 August sees the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport announce its approval of the final offset achievements submitted by the Saab/Gripen team, signalling the successful completion of all offset commitments in Hungary, ahead of time.
15 August also sees South Africa take delivery of its third and fourth Gripen multi-role fighter aircraft, of its fleet of twenty-six aircraft on order, which arrive in Cape Town this week.
11 August sees Switzerland put Gripen C/D fighters to the test as ground and flight test evaluations commence at the Emmen air base near Lucerne, as part of the Swiss process for the acquisition of new fighter aircraft to replace its fleet of F-5E/F Tiger aircraft.
July 2008
In celebration of the historic 10 year partnership between the Saab/Gripen team and the UK’s Empire Test Pilots’ School, ETPS Gripen Instructor Pilot Jim Schofield and Saab test pilot Magnus Lewis-Olsson fly Gripen 802, specially painted in ETPS’ colours, to the UK to attend the Royal International Air Tattoo. Hungarian and Czech Republic Gripen fighters also attend the show.
In Sweden, the Hungarian Air Force carries-out a series of successful live firing trials with its Gripen fighters fitted with Sidewinder air-to-air missiles at FMV’s Vidsel test range in Sweden.
This month also sees the submission of a Gripen proposal to Switzerland, for the supply of Gripen fighters to replace the Swiss Air Forces’ F-5E/F Tiger fleet of aircraft. The proposal was handed over to the Swiss department for procurement of technologically complex systems and defence technology, armasuisse, in Berne.
June 2008
In the Czech Republic, the Gripen industrial co-operation programme moves forward again, as the the Czech Ministry of Defence approves a total of 2.6 billion Czech Crowns worth of offset for the calendar year 2007. The total value of the Offset generated within the Gripen programme now amounts to 11.3 billion Czech Crowns (approx 450 million EUR) representing 44% of the total Offset obligation. The full offset obligation is to be discharged within a 10-year period from the effective date of the Offset Agreement, signed on 14 June 2004.
May 2008
The 27 May 2008 is a ground-breaking and historic day as Saab conducts the maiden flight of the next generation Gripen Demo aircraft, the test platform for the further development of Gripen. The flight lasted for 30 minutes and went totally according to plan. The flight takes place in good weather from Saab´s airfield in Linköping, with maximum altitude for the first flight of 6,400 meters and maximum speed of 320 knots.
April 2008
On April 30th, the South African Air Force received and accepted its first new Gripen fighter aircraft opening a new chapter in the forces modernisation and transformation. South Africa has ordered 26 modern Gripen fighters for its front-line air defence and fighter requirement – 9 dual-seat and 17 single-seat.
On 28 April 2008, Gripen International submits its compliant response to the Indian Ministry of Defence’s requirement for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force. The Gripen team has offered the Indian Air Force ‘Gripen IN’, tailor-made to meet all current and future requirements of the Indian Air Force and employing only the very best and latest technologies from Sweden, Europe and the US, supported by a long term programme of industrial co-operation and offset. Gripen IN is based on the newly launched Gripen NG, the next generation of Gripen, an enhanced version of the well proven Net Centric Warfare Gripen multi-role fighter, which has unbeatable low acquisition, operation and support costs.
Also on 28 April FMV, on behalf of the Swedish government, submits Sweden’s proposal for the supply of 48 Gripen next generation fighters to meet the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s future combat aircraft needs. 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. The proposal also includes a joint logistic solution and other areas of multi-national co-operation that will reduce the operational cost for both countries. 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.
On 23 April, the future arrived! In a spectacular ceremony attended by over 700 international guests which was broadcast ‘live’ around the world, Saab and its powerful network of leading international aerospace partners, proudly unveiled the first of the next generation of combat fighters, the Gripen Demonstrator (Demo) aircraft. The Gripen Demo includes new features such as the General Electric F414G Turbofan engine with increased thrust and super cruise capability, a new Saab/Thales active electronically-scanned array (AESA) radar, increased fuel capacity for extended range, improved landing gear, increased weapons and stores capabilities, advanced communications and defensive systems and world-beating avionics structures. Investment in the Demo programme is being made by Saab, its international industrial partners including General Electric, Thales, Rockwell-Collins and Honeywell, as well as the Norwegian and Swedish governments.
March 2008
FMV, the Swedish Defence Material Administration, formally responds to a request from the Croatian government for information regarding the supply of twelve (12) new Gripen fighters to meet Croatia’s national, European and NATO needs. This response, which was submitted on 27 March 2008 in close co-operation with Saab AB, includes offers for support, training and an extensive industrial offset package.
On 20 March, Gripen conducts a further successful live firing with the MBDA Meteor air-to-air missile at the Vidsel test range in Sweden, proving once again its reliability as a platform for the integration and testing of complex future missile systems for the world’s new generation combat aircraft. The firing follows on from previous successful trials undertaken in the UK and Sweden and is another significant event in the European six-nation Meteor project.
February 2008
February sees a further 20 Czech Air Force and 20 Hungarian Air Force technicians start their training courses at the Swedish Armed Forces technical school outside the town of Halmstad in Sweden. To date, 15 pilots and 38 technicians from the Hungarian Air Force and 21 pilots and 50 technicians from the Czech Republic Air Force have been successfully trained in Sweden. Further pilot and technician training courses are planned for 2009.
On the 10th anniversary of the successful collaboration between the UK’s renowned Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) and Saab, ETPS/QinetiQ and Saab sign a new 2008 agreement providing ETPS with continuing access to fly the new generation Gripen. The 2008 agreement sees two ETPS training campaigns (May and August/September) to be undertaken by seven (7) students with three (3) ETPS instructor pilots IP’s. The test pilot students in 2008 will be drawn from the UK’s Royal Air Force, Switzerland, Singapore, the Netherlands and Pakistan. Each student will fly Gripen at Saab for eleven (11) hours with a complementary course of simulator flying at the Swedish Air Force F7 Wing, Såtenäs.
February 2008 marks a very significant event in the Gripen programme, when Thailand becomes the 6th customer worldwide, and the first in Asia, to sign contracts for the supply of the new generation Gripen fighter. In a ceremony in Stockholm, FMVs (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) Director General Gunnar Holmgren and Air Chief Marshal Chalit Pukbhasuk, Commander in Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF), sign an agreement for the delivery of six Gripen multi-role aircraft of the latest C and D version (four two-seat Gripen D and two single-seat Gripen C fighters), together with one Saab 340 Erieye surveillance system and one Saab 340 aircraft for training and transport. With this agreement RTAF will replace its outgoing U.S-supplied F-5 aircraft at the beginning of 2011.
January 2008
28 January 2008 saw another significant milestone in the Gripen programme, when the Gripen fleet soared past the historic 100,000 flying hour mark. With Saab test pilot Mats Thorbiörnson and South African Air Force (SAAF) Colonel Mike Edwards at the controls, South Africa’s second Gripen fighter (SA02) made history when during a scheduled flight test sortie, it passed the cumulative 100,000 flying hour mark for the Gripen fleet of new generation fighters.
In a January ‘win double’, the Royal Norwegian MoD requests FMV, Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration, to submit binding proposals for the replacement of its ageing fleet of F-16’s with the Gripen fighter. In order to meet the Norwegian Parliament’s target of approving the future combat aircraft acquisition process by Spring 2009. FMV’s response to the Norwegian MoD RBI is required to be submitted on 28 April 2008.
In a spectacular start to the New Year, the Gripen team was delighted to be invited by the Swiss authorities to meet Switzerland’s future combat aircraft needs. Gripen International receives a formal invitation from armasuisse, the Swiss defence material administration, to submit initial bids for the supply of Gripen fighter aircraft to replace the Swiss Air Force’s ageing F-5 combat aircraft. The Gripen team’s response to the Swiss invitation to bid is required to be submitted in mid-2008.
December 2007
The final month of 2007 sees the delivery of the final three (3) Hungarian Gripen fighters, of the Hungarian Air Force’s total order for fourteen (14) aircraft, when they land at Kecskémet air base in Hungary. The aircraft, of the latest 'C' standard being delivered to customers worldwide, were flown from FMV’s facility outside Linköping to Hungary by pilots from the Swedish Air Force.
November 2007
Using a French AF Boeing KC135 tanker FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, successfully conducts air-to-air refuelling trials with Swedish Air Force Gripen C (single seat) and D (two seat) versions of the fighter, further extending Gripen’s capability to participate in international operations.
On 13 November, the South African government reports that Saab, and its Gripen programme partner BAE Systems, has delivered $US 5.3 billion of new economic benefits through offset projects arising from its acquisition of Gripen fighters and Hawk trainers. In its 2007 annual report, South Africa’s Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), announces to Parliament that the delivery of the combined Saab - BAE Systems offset, linked to South Africa’s joint Gripen and Hawk acquisition programme, was ahead of schedule with a surplus of economic benefits being delivered by August 2007. The Gripen industrial partners have delivered $US 4.8 billion of new economic benefits to South Africa so far and are well on track to fulfil their $US 8.7 billion offset target by 2012.
At the same time, South African Gripen customer Armscor reported that the Gripen team had made good progress in the delivery of defence industry-related offset. Armcor’s annual report, tabled in Parliament on 30 October, indicated the delivery of ZAR 3.38 billion ($US 520 million) of benefits, comprising investments, local and export sales of South African equipment and services and technology transfer to South Africa’s defence and aerospace industry. The report highlighted a ZAR 108m surplus in the Gripen defence offset programme.
In Copenhagen, Denmark, Gripen International submits its response to Denmark's supplementary request for information (SRFI), regarding its requirement for a next generation fighter. The Gripen team’s response was formally handed-over, on time, by Gripen International’s Managing Director Johan Lehander.
An important milestone in the integration of the IRIS-T missile with the Gripen fighter, was achieved on 8 November 2007 at the Vidsel range in northern Sweden when Gripen fired the IRIS-T, within visual range (WVR), missile with an operational target seeker for the first time. The test was completely successful with the missile finding and shooting down the designated target.
October 2007
17 October sees the government of Thailand announce the down-selection of the Gripen new generation fighter, and the Saab Erieye Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system to meet its national defence needs. The Thai Cabinet approves a budget of 34,400 billion baht (US$ 1.1 billion) for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) to procure 12 (twelve) Gripen multi-role fighters, to replace its ageing fleet of F-5 B/E aircraft, and 2 (two) Saab Erieye AEW aircraft, together with associated equipment and services. Negotiations between Thai and Swedish government officials commence immediately in order to conclude a formal agreement.
17 October also sees Sweden’s FMV (Defence Material Administration) place a SEK 3.9 billion ($US 600 million) contract on Saab to commence the upgrading of 31 Swedish Air Force Gripen A/B’s to the very latest C/D standard. The contract also includes an order for the Gripen demonstrator programme, which includes the development of a new Gripen test flying platform - Gripen Demo - and a Gripen avionics rig. Gripen Demo will include new features such as a new engine with increased thrust, an AESA radar, increased range, new landing gear, increased weapons and stores capabilities and enhanced avionics structures.
Swedish Air Force Gripen fighters will be equipped with the latest version of Saab’s helmet mounted display (HMD) system, in a new SEK 345 million ($US 54 million) deal between FMV, Sweden’s Defence Material Administration, and Saab. The agreement will enable the Cobra HMD system to be integrated into Swedish Air Force Gripen fighters and be delivered to Sweden progressively.
A squadron of ten (10) Gripen C/D fighters from the Swedish Air Force (SwAF) deploy to the US Air Force Europe air base at Lakenheath, England, to take part in joint exercises.
October also sees a total of 193 Gripen aircraft delivered to the Swedish Air Force and 96,320 flying hours and 120,149 missions flown in five fully operational, multi-mission squadrons
September 2007
Danish and Swedish defence ministers Sören Gade and Sten Tolgfors, sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding Gripen during a visit to Saab in Linköping, Sweden. Denmark is planning to replace its ageing F-16 fleet of 48 aircraft within the next 10 to 15 years, and intends conducting a comprehensive evaluation of different aircraft types before making its selection. The MoU guarantees that all relevant Swedish information which is needed for the Danish evaluation of the Gripen fighter will be available.
August 2007
8 August sees the delivery of two (2) more Hungarian Gripen fighters, of the latest C versions, when they land at the Kecskémet air base in Hungary following their delivery flights from Sweden. The remaining three (3) Hungarian Gripen aircraft will be delivered progressively until end of 2007, bringing the Hungarian Air Force up to its full complement of 14 Gripen fighters.
The Saab/Gripen team welcomes the receipt of the formal Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Request for Proposal (RFP) for the supply of up to 126 new fighter aircraft to the Indian government in a deal worth some $US 10 billion.
July 2007
Saab selects GE Aviation’s new F414G fighter engine to power its Gripen Aircraft Demonstrator Program. Two F414 engines are delivered to Saab for flight-test and customer demonstration evaluations planned for 2008-2010.
June 2007
The Paris Air Show sees Saab launch its plans for a new Gripen Demonstrator programme. The demonstrator programme will include the development of a new Gripen test flying platform - Gripen Demo - and the Gripen Avionics Rig. Gripen Demo will include new features such as a new engine with increased thrust, an AESA radar, increased range, new landing gear, increased weapons and stores capabilities and enhanced avionics structures. The programme is driven by the future needs of current and potential customers, and incorporates state-of-the-art technology that will keep Gripen at the leading edge well beyond 2040.
Gripen International welcomes the approval of the third annual Report on Offset Performance in the Czech Republic, covering the period to the end of 2006. With this third offset performance report approved by the Czech Ministry of Defence, 8.7 billion CZK (34%) of the total offset commitment has been achieved, significantly ahead of schedule. The total offset obligation is to be fulfilled within a 10-year period from the effective date of the Offset Agreement, signed on 14th June 2004.
May 2007
Gripen conducts a successful live firing with the Meteor air-to-air missile, at the UK’s Hebrides missile firing range, proving once again its reliability as a platform for the integration and testing of complex future missile systems. Gripen is the first and so far only fighter aircraft to launch the Meteor and this firing was the first in the UK.
May sees the historic first deployment of Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighters to Italy to take part in NATO exercises. The Hungarian Air Force participated with two Gripen C and two Gripen D Gripen fighters, pilots and ground personnel (controllers, technicians, staff officers, doctors). As this is the debut of the Hungarian Gripen fighters in an international environment, two pilots and one engineering officer from the Swedish Support Group, based at the Kecskemét Air Base in Hungary, also accompanied the Hungarian forces.
May also sees the achievement of a significant milestone, when the UK’s Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) Gripen Chief Instructor Pilot Rhys Williams reaches his 100th flying hour on the Gripen fighter. He becomes only the third non-Swedish pilot to achieve this milestone.
April 2007
Saab is awarded two new contracts, valued at approximately 300 million SEK, for carrying out new missile tests with the Meteor Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile. The new contracts include air-launched firings and radar tests, taking place in the Hebrides region and Aberporth in the United Kingdom, as well as at FMV’s test base in Vidsel, Sweden. Gripen is the first and so far only new generation fighter which has air-launched the Meteor missile.
April also see the historic agreement between Norway and Saab, through Gripen International, regarding the future development of the Gripen fighter. The Norwegian Defence Minister Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen and the Swedish Defence Minister Mikael Odenberg, sign a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation in development work on the future versions of Gripen. This agreement strengthens Gripen’s chances of being selected as the future fighter aircraft for the Norwegian Air Force.
March 2007
Six (6) Gripen new generation fighters from the Swedish Air Force are deployed to Norway to participate in the ‘Cold Response’ multi-national exercise. The Gripen fighters are part of the SWAFRAP JAS39, the Swedish Air Force Rapid Reaction Unit, based at the F 17 Wing in Ronneby, Sweden. ‘Cold Response’ is the biggest and most important exercise in Norway this year, involving over 8, 500 people from air, ground and sea defence forces from 18 countries.
Norway’s Air Force Inspector General, Stein Erik Nodeland, was an honoured guest when he visited the Swedish Air Force Gripen Wing F21 in Luleå, Sweden at the end of February and flew Gripen.
When European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Christer Fuglesang took to the skies in Gripen, he was the first astronaut ever to fly the Swedish new generation fighter aircraft. During an 85 minute flight over the Baltic Sea, Fuglesang reached Mach 1.2 and experienced Gripen’s outstanding performance, handling and human machine interaction, as Saab test pilot Magnus Ljungdahl handed over the controls to the astronaut. During his visit, was inducted into the Gripen Order of pilots who have flown Gripen
February 2007
Gripen International and Saab take part in the Aero India 2007 show in Bangalore, India. This is the Gripen team’s biggest overseas marketing commitment in its history, with the largest exhibition stand ever shipped across continents, the most number of Gripen C/D aircraft ever appearing in public outside Sweden (two Gripen D and one Gripen C fighters) and the longest ferry flight in Gripen’s history.
In Sweden, 190 Gripen fighters have now been delivered to the Swedish Air Force, who operate their Gripen fleet in five fully operational, multi-mission squadrons. Nearly 85,180 flying hours and 108,072 missions have now been achieved by all Gripen operators worldwide.
January 2007
The start of the New Year sees the safe delivery to the Kecskémet air base of another Hungarian Gripen single-seat fighter following its delivery flight from Sweden. The delivery of this aircraft was some six (6) months ahead of schedule. The remaining five (5) Hungarian Gripen aircraft will be delivered to Hungary progressively until December 2007.
December 2006
On 14 December, Gripen fighter (Tail No. 39210) becomes the first of the new Gripen C/D standard of the aircraft to pass the 500 operational flight hour mark. The aircraft which has been based at the Swedish Air Force F17 Ronneby Wing since it was handed over by the Swedish Defence Material Administration in May 2005, has performed faultlessly in all conditions and has met or exceeded all of its operational objectives.
November 2006
Saab successfully carries out the first flight tests with the IRIS-T air-to-air missile to verify the function between the missile and the Gripen aircraft. IRIS-T enhances Gripen’s close combat performance, which is an important component for Gripen during future international operations.
Danish company Aerotech A/S and Saab AB conclude a co-operation agreement that ensures orders for Danish Aerotech, worth up to 200 million Danish kroner, provided Denmark decides to purchase the Gripen fighter as a replacement for its current F-16 fighters. The Danish government is expected to reach a decision by 2008 on which fighter will replace Denmark´s ageing F-16 aircraft in a few years´ time.
October 2006
This month also sees a significant milestone in the Hungarian programme, with the delivery of the Hungarian Air Force’s sixth (6th) Gripen fighter to the Kecskémet air base. The remaining eight (8) Gripen aircraft will be delivered to Hungary progressively until December 2007.
The second group of Hungarian pilots continue their Gripen conversion training which will qualify them as Gripen pilots. The five (5) pilots are now half way through the training and have started to fly the Gripen aircraft in solo flights. This second group will finish their training in Sweden by December 2006. At the same time, the second group of Hungarian technicians start their training at the Armed Forces technical school at Halmstad. The nineteen (19) technicians will end their theoretical training in Halmstad in December 2006 and in January 2007, they will start their OJT (On the Job Training). All nineteen (19) technicians will have finished their training by the beginning of May 2007.
The UK’s Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS), Gripen’s fifth customer, successfully completes the second of its programmed flying campaigns of 2006 at Saab’s facility in Linköping, Sweden and the customer was delighted with the results. Senior ETPS Gripen Instructor Pilot, Rhys Williams, says “The ETPS team is delighted with the way this latest flying campaign has been conducted. The two-seat Gripen new generation fighter flew fifty-six (56) sorties in just ten (10) flying days. During this time, we did not lose any sorties due to reliability or maintenance needs – this is a very impressive operational record by any standards”.
September 2006
The Future has Arrived - September sees South Africa’s first Gripen new generation fighter aircraft make its public debut in South Africa on the eve of the African Aerospace & Defence (AAD) 2006 exhibition held at Air Force Base Ysterplaat in Cape Town. This two-seat version of the Gripen fighter aircraft (tail# SA01), wearing South African Air Force (SAAF) livery and bearing the South African flag, arrived in South Africa in July 2006, and has been based at the Test Flight Development Centre (TFDC) near Bredasdorp in the Southern Cape, where it has been prepared for a thorough and intensive South African flight test programme. A team of technical experts from Gripen’s manufacturer, Saab, has been seconded from Sweden to TFDC for two years, to work alongside their South African counterparts from the SAAF, Armscor and Denel on the flight test programme. When completed, this programme will lead directly to the delivery of the first Gripen to South Africa in early 2008.
August 2006
On 22 August, during a presentation at the Bulgarian Ministry of Defense, Gripen International submitted its comprehensive answer to a formal Request for Information, comprising a complete and extensive package including 16 new generation Gripen C/D aircraft (12 single and 4 two-seater) with full support and training provided in cooperation with the Swedish Armed Forces. The flexible package outlines several options regarding financial solutions with the first Gripen fighter being delivered two years after contract signature.
July 2006
In an historic milestone, July sees seven (7) Gripen new generation, multi role fighters from the Swedish Air Force, fly half-way around the world to take part in Red Flag Alaska; that is a one way trip of more than 10 000 kilometers. At the Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska they met up with combat aircraft from the US, Canadian and Japanese Air Forces. During the eleven (11) day exercise, Gripens fly 2 sorties a day with 4 aircraft. A total of 340 flight hours were logged, 150 of them ´on mission´, and all this done with just 12 pilots and 35 maintenance technicians.
QinetiQ and Saab agree to a new and expanded deal enabling trainee test pilots at the UK’s Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) to gain even greater access to flying Sweden’s new generation Gripen fighter. The deal sees a 30% increase in student numbers, a 20% increase in flights per student, the training of a third ETPS Instructor Pilot (IP) and the inclusion of Flight Test Engineer students within a refined syllabus.
June 2006
The Gripen Team says “Happy Birthday” to the Swedish Air Force, on the occasion of its 80 year celebrations, by participating in a spectacular event at the Swedish Air Force F 7 Wing, Såtenäs, Sweden.
20 June sees the successful Air Launched Demonstration (ALD) of the Meteor BVR missile from Gripen, at the FMV Vidsel test range in northern Sweden. Meteor was rail-launched from Gripen at an altitude of 23,000 ft - the missile successfully transitioned to its operation according to plan and all the objectives were successfully fulfilled. Several important flight test campaigns will be performed with Meteor on the Gripen combat aircraft during 2006 and onwards.
May 2006
The fourth and latest batch of Czech Air Force pilots complete their Gripen conversion training at the Swedish Air Force Skaraborg Wing, F 7 at Såtenäs in Sweden. A total of 21 Czech pilots have now passed through the conversion training program. During 2005, a total of 44 pilots, from Sweden and other countries, successfully completed Gripen conversion training at F 7 Såtenäs.
At two separate press conferences – one in Oslo on 15 May and one in Copenhagen on 16 May, Gripen International presents details of its formal offers to Norway and Denmark for a new version of the Gripen fighter to replace these countries’ ageing F-16 aircraft. An enhanced standard of the Gripen new generation fighter, dubbed ‘Gripen N’ for Norway and ‘Gripen DK’ for Denmark respectively, with longer range and greater payload, have been offered in response to these countries’ respective requirements to deliver up to 48 aircraft from 2016.
The second Gripen offset claim, amounting to over 6.6 Billion CZK (approx. 234 million EUR), is approved by Czech Ministry of Defence. After almost 2 years into the 10 year Gripen offset program, the total offset claims now approved amounts to 6.6. Billion Czech Crowns (approx 234 million EUR) representing 26% of the total Offset obligation.
March 2006
The Gripen team is proud to launch its new online, web-based shop GripenShop, featuring a range of exclusive Gripen-branded clothes, gifts, accessories, sports and golf equipment and collectors’ items which previously have been unavailable to the general public.
21 March sees the first five (5) Hungarian Air Force Gripen aircraft arrive in Hungary. The five Gripen multi-role fighters, the latest C and D versions of the aircraft, are the first of fourteen (14) ordered by Hungary. The aircraft were flown by four pilots from the Hungarian Air Force and three from the Swedish Air Force. The flight, which departed from FMV´s facility outside Linköping, lasted for about two hours.
The Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport confirms the approval of Gripen´s eighth offset claim, and has now registered 5143 MSEK (550 MEUR) in offsets . Of this amount, the export value equates to 3580MSEK (382 MEUR) and the investments value to 1563MSEK (167 M EUR). This latest approval signifies that the Gripen team has now achieved 70% of the total offset obligation for the Hungarian customer.
30 March sees the first five (5) Hungarian Gripen aircraft are formally handed over to Hungary by Sweden. At a ceremony at the Kecskémet air base in Hungary, Swedish Defence Minister Leni Björklund formally hands over the first five Hungarian Gripen new generation fighter aircraft to her Hungarian counterpart, Ferenc Juhász, Hungary’s Minister of Defence. The remaining nine (9) Gripen aircraft for Hungary are due for delivery progressively until December 2007.
January 2006
The seventh Gripen offset claim is approved by Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport. Amounting to over 342 MSEK (approx. 36 million EUR). Of this amount, the export value equates to 74 MSEK and the investments value to 268 MSEK. This latest approval signifies that the Gripen team have now achieved over 62% of the total obligation has been fulfilled, making a total value of 4604 MSEK (488 MEUR) for the offset activity performed in Hungary since December 2001.
December 2005
Gripen International responds to Denmark’s request for information (RfI) for a replacement for its current F-16 fleet of aircraft. Gripen for Denmark, “Gripen DK", is based on the proven C- and D-versions of the Gripen fighter, already in NATO-use, but further enhanced and tailored specifically to suit the needs of the Royal Danish Air Force (“Flyvevåbnet"), thus providing the ideal solution for a F-16 replacement
November 2005
South Africa’s first completed Gripen fighter is unveiled to the world on 28 October, in a spectacular ‘roll-out’ ceremony at Saab, Linköping. The aircraft, which is the first of the fleet of Gripens ordered by the South African Air Force, will enter service in early 2008. Speaking, on behalf of the South African Government, Minister for Public Enterprises, Alec Erwin, highlighted the strategic significance of South Africa’s Gripen acquisition and its role as a catalyst for broad industrial, trade and economic development in South Africa. Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lt-Gen Carlo Gagiano, said the Gripen programme was an icon for transformation and modernisation in the SAAF and would strengthen South Africa’s contribution to peace and security in Africa. He also expressed his delight with the progress of the Gripen programme. “In an industry notorious for sliding deadlines, Saab has been able to roll out this specific aircraft well ahead of the original schedule. I congratulate you to this achievement!” he said.
14 November sees the first South African dual seat Gripen take to the skies on its maiden flight in Sweden. Painted in the South African Air Force’s striking new livery, the aircraft takes-off at 13.40 from Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Linköping, Sweden. The flight, which lasts 1 hr 10 min, is undertaken by South African test pilot Charl Coetzee and Saab test pilot Magnus Olsson who are at the controls for the first flight of South Africa’s future multi-/swing-role fighter.
18 November sees another first, with the arrival of two (2) Gripen fighters, a 'C' single seat version and 'D' dual seat version of the very latest standard being delivered to export customers, to the Dubai Air Show.
22 November sees the first successful Gripen air-to-air refuelling test flights with a C-130 Hercules. The verification test flights include a total of six (6) sorties, using aircraft of the very latest standard, the Gripen C single-seat and Gripen D dual-seat. The test results were very successful with all objectives being achieved.
24 November sees the launch of another major industrial co-operation project in South Africa, when Minister of Minerals and Energy, Lindiwe Hendricks, announces the launch of the 1,000kg gold advance scheme, which is a partnership between defence companies Saab and BAE Systems, gold mining companies AngloGold Ashanti Limited and Gold Fields Limited and Standard Bank.
October 2005
The maiden flight of the first Hungarian two-seat Gripen aircraft takes place on 27 October at Saab in Linköping, Sweden. The aircraft, which was flown by a test pilot from Saab, was painted with the new grey Hungarian national insignia on the aircraft.
September 2005.
Three (3) Gripen fighter aircraft from the Swedish Air Force take part in the first international air show in Greece, 'Archangel 2005'.
August 2005
Gripen International receives formal approval from the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport for its latest offset Performance Report. The offset value approved is worth 912 MSEK (94 MEUR). This sixth Hungarian Gripen offset claim now makes the total value 4 262 MSEK (440 MEUR), representing over 50% of the total obligation.
Johan Lehander is appointed the new Managing Director of Gripen International and therefore the boss of the entire Gripen export program, succeeding Ian McNamee who has now joined the management team of Saab AB.
Two (2) two-seat (39D) Gripen multi-role fighters arrive at the Cáslav Air Base in the Czech Republic, following their delivery ferry flight from FMV´s facility outside Linköping. These aircraft, the latest variant of the Gripen, were flown by pilots from the FMV, Swedish Defence Material Administration. The flight lasted for about one hour.
June 2005
Gripen International receives formal approval from the Czech Ministry of Defence for its first Annual Offset Performance Report. The Offset value approved amounts to over four Billion Czech Crowns (approx 133 million EUR). This represents 16.5% of the total Offset obligation and covers a reporting period from 1st January 2002 to 31st December 2004.
159 Gripen fighters have now been delivered to the Swedish customer (FMV/SwAF) and nearly 60,000 flying hours and 78,000 missions have now been achieved by the Swedish Air Force.
May 2005
After almost 4 years into the 14 year long Gripen offset program, Gripen International announces that another 485 MSEK (52 MEUR) of the Hungarian offset obligation has been approved making the total value 3 350 MSEK (360 MEUR). The claim has now been registered with the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Transport, making this the fifth claim to be approved by the Ministry.
April 2005
18 April 2005 sees the first six Czech Air Force Gripen aircraft arrive in the Czech Republic. The six (6) Gripen multi-role fighters, the latest C and D versions of the aircraft, are the first to be delivered to other countries Air Force. The aircraft were flown by three pilots from the Czech Air Force two from the Swedish Air Force and one from FMV. The flight, which departed from FMV´s facility outside Linköping, lasted for one hour.
The maiden flight of the first Gripen 39 D dual seat - destined for the Czech Republic – takes place on 21 April 2005 at Saab in Linköping, Sweden. The aircraft, which was flown by a test pilot from Saab, was painted in grey with the Czech Republic national insignia on the tailfin. This is the first of 2 (two) Gripen 39 D aircraft that the Czech Republic, together with 12 (twelve) 39 C (single seat), will lease for a period of 10 years under the terms of the agreement signed between the Swedish and Czech authorities in June 2004. Deliveries of the 14 Gripen aircraft to the Czech Republic will take place between April-August 2005
The Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS), Britain’s world-class flight test training school, gains greater access to flying the Gripen under a new 3 year agreement with Saab, brokered by Gripen International. The deal sees an extension of flying hours for ETPS test pilot students, as well as greater flying autonomy. Flight operations will be undertaken at Linköping, while simulator training will be conducted at the Swedish Air Force F 7 Wing, Såtenäs.
March 2005
Saturday 19 March sees the spectacular arrival of a South African Air Force (SAAF) Boeing 707 re-fuelling tanker aircraft, at Saab's facility in Linköping, Sweden. The SAAF tanker is in Sweden to take part in a series of ground and air-to-air (AAR) re-fuelling trials with the Gripen new generation fighter.
The first solo flight by a Hungarian Air Force pilot takes place at the Swedish Air Force base F 7 at Såtenäs on 23 March 2005.
The Reconnaissance Pod SPK 39 system from SaabTech for the Swedish Gripen fighter makes its first flight March 24 at Saab in Linköping, Sweden.
The first 19 (nineteen) technical officers from the Hungarian Air Force arrive in Halmstad, Sweden, to undergo technical training on the Gripen at the Swedish Armed Forces technical school.
February 2005
The maiden flight of the first Gripen aircraft – destined for Hungary - took place today 16 February 2005 at Saab’s facility in Linköping, Sweden. The aircraft, which was flown by a test pilot from Saab, was painted in grey with Hungary’s national insignia on the tailfin.
South African electronics and communications group, Grintek, and Sweden’s Saab, announce plans to team up to compete in world markets in the high-tech communications and data network defence sectors.
January 2005
The first Hungarian Air Force pilots arrive in Sweden to start their Gripen conversion training.
On 25 January, in a spectacular ceremony, Saab presents the first Hungarian Gripen to roll off the production line at its factory in Linköping, Sweden. The ceremony took place in the presence of the Hungarian Defence Minister Mr Ference Juhász and the Swedish Defence Minister Mrs Leni Bjorklund as well as representatives from the Hungarian MOD, the Hungarian Air Force, the Hungarian Ambassador to Sweden, FMV´s acting Director General, Saab’s Deputy CEO and the MD for Gripen International.
On 11 January 2005, the first dual-seat Gripen fighter for the South African Air Force entered the final assembly stage at Saab’s factory in Sweden.
November 2004
At a ceremony at Saab’s factory in Linköping the first Czech Republic Gripen aircraft was unveiled to the public for the first time. The ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the production phase of Czech Republic Gripen aircraft.
October 2004
Following the visit to Sweden by the Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and a meeting with the Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson, he states that Thailand is in favour of Gripen as its F-5 replacement aircraft.
Monday October 18 sees the maiden flight of the first Gripen fighter ordered for the export market. The aircraft is destined for the Czech Republic customer.
Czech Air Force Gripen pilots Lt Col Peter Mikulenka and Lt Col Michael Boruvka become the first pilots from the Czech Republic to make solo flights in the Gripen fighter.
September 2004
Czech Air Force pilots and technicians commence their Gripen training in Sweden.
South African Air Force (SAAF) trainee fighter pilot, Capt Catherine Labuschagne, 25, becomes the world's first woman fighter pilot to fly the Gripen 39B, when she took to the skies over Waterkloof Air Force Base, near Pretoria, South Africa, for the opening of the bi-annual African Aerospace and Defence Show.
Deputy Minister of Defence Ilko Dimitrov signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Gripen International and with BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems International Inc. The documents define the opportunities for cooperation between the Ministry of Defence and the two companies in the area of the modernization of the Bulgarian Armed Forces.
August 2004
Pilots from the Hungarian Air Force commence their Gripen preparation training in Sweden.
July 2004
142 Gripen fighters have now been delivered to customers and the Swedish Air Force, FMV and Saab have flown over 45,000 flying hours and 60,000 sorties.
June 2004
The next step in the air-to-air refuelling program takes place, with the first in-flight extension and retraction of the air-to-air refuelling probe from a Gripen C aircraft.
On 2 June 2004, the maiden flight takes place of the dual seat Gripen 39D export standard aircraft (Tail No. 39.815) in Linköping. The flight lasted 49 minutes
On 14 June, the Czech Republic and Swedish governments sign a lease agreement for the supply of 14 new-build Gripen aircraft, together with a full support package of training, spares and equipment. On the same day, Gripen International signs a supporting offset agreement with the Czech Ministry of Defence
The fifth (5th) Hungarian Gripen fighter enters the production phase in Linköping
May 2004
The first flight trial of the ‘Cobra’ Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) system in the Gripen takes place on 6 May. The flight trial, which is intended to test the ergonomic mechanical ‘mock-up’ of the HMD system, is the first flight ever using a HMD to reach the boundaries of –3g and +9g.
6 May also sees the successful ground connection test between the Gripen, its air-to-air re-fueling probe and a Swedish Air Force C-130 (TP84) tanker. The test is part of the verification of the air-to-air capability for the NATO compatible Gripen.
The Litening G111 Forward-Looking Infra-Red/Laser Designator Pod (FLIR/LDP) is used to carry out first guided releases of GBU-12 and GBU-16 weapons.
April 2004
On 21 April in Linköping, Sweden, Matra BAE Systems Dynamics (MBDA) and its Meteor missile partner, Saab, undertake the first trial fit of a geometrically representative Meteor Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missile with the Gripen combat aircraft.
January 2004
1 January sees the first SwAFRAP (Swedish Air Force Rapid Reaction Force), based at Swedish Air Force Base F17, Ronneby and armed with Gripen fighters, declared ready to commit to international coalition missions.
December 2003
On 1 December, the Czech Government evaluation committee announces its recommendation of Gripen and confirms that the decision of its 9-man team of independent experts was unanimous
On 17 December, the government of the Czech Republic declares that it has selected Gripen to meet its National, European and NATO needs and enters into negotiations with the Swedish government.
November 2003
Gripen test aircraft 39.208 makes a captive flight with two TAURUS KEPD 350 (Kinetic Energy Penetration Destroyer) high precision stand-off weapons. The flight was conducted using a configuration including 2 AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, 2 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, 2 KEPD 350 bombs and a fuel drop tank.
The Brazilian Air Force receives Gripen International's best and final offer, related to the F-X BR Project.
October 2003
On 10 October, a single-seat Gripen and a dual seat Gripen, with South Africa’s first fully qualified black fighter pilot, Captain Musa “Midnight” Mbhokota onboard, escort the aircraft carrying South Africa Deputy President Jacob Zuma into Linköping. Deputy President Zuma then takes part in an historic ceremony where the South Africa Gripen production line is officially commissioned
The first sub-assemblies for the South African aircraft enter the production line at Saab. These sub-assemblies consist of two air intake fuselage sections, which are mated together with the forward fuselage and the cockpit shell.
On 31 October 2003, the Swedish government submits its proposals for the loan of 14 new build, supersonic, NATO-interoperable Gripen’s, together with a full support package, optional finance package and 150% industrial participation package to the Czech Republic government.
First Hungarian Gripen airframe (39.301) manufacture commences.
September 2003
Two Gripen fighters fly to the United States to celebrate 100 years of aviation history.
July 2003
The government of the Czech Republic issues its RfP on government-to-government basis for an interim solution to meet its national, European and NATO needs. The Swedish government responds with its Gripen solution on 31 October.
June 2003
Successful Gripen separation trials are undertaken with MK82/83/84 and GBU10/12/16 NATO compatible bombs, and also the export standard fuel drop tank, at the Vidsel test range in Sweden.
April 2003
The 1,000th Gripen flying hour is recorded by F 17 Wing, Ronneby since the inauguration of the Gripen squadron in the autumn of 2002.
March 2003
On 10 March 2003, a landmark event takes place when South African test pilot Johannes Joubert flies solo for the first time in the Gripen.
February 2003
On 3 February, FMV and ASIB (Acquisition and Security Investment Bureau) within the Hungarian Department of Defence sign an amendment to the Gripen lease agreement for 14 Gripen fighters. The agreement is amended to a lease and purchase agreement and the Hungarian Gripen’s will be to the latest 39 C/D standard which incorporates a retractable Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) probe, capability to use NATO interoperable weapons including Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs), an advanced electronic warfare system, an Onboard Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), English language full colour cockpit displays and a NATO interoperable communications suite
December 2002
Commencement of EWS39 Electronic Warfare System trials.
October 2002
South Africa’s first fully qualified black fighter pilot, Captain Musa “Midnight” Mbhokota, becomes the first black pilot to fly the Gripen multi-role supersonic fighter
The first operational Gripen aircraft (Tail number 39.131) completes 1,000 flying hours. A total of 125 Gripens have been delivered and close to 30,000 flying hours and 40,000 sorties have been chalked-up by Gripen fighters.
September 2002
On 9 September Saab hand over the first JAS 39C Gripen to Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). This latest JAS 39C version adds a host of new capabilities to the Gripen, and is almost identical to the aircraft intended for the export market.
August 2002
14 August sees the first flight of the Gripen 39C aircraft from Linköping.
June 2002
The Gripen Investment Fund is established in Hungary, and Gripen International achieves the first milestone in the offset agreement signed in December 2001 with the Hungarian Ministry of Economy.
VARIG VEM of Brazil and Saab confirm technology partnership for Gripen fighter aircraft.
May 2002
FMV declare that 20 of the Batch 2 aircraft will be equipped to an enhanced Batch 3 standard. Aircraft tail number 39.207 is declared the first Gripen C standard aircraft.
January 2002
Swedish Air Force Wing F 21, Luleå becomes Sweden’s third Gripen Wing
December 2001
FMV and the Hungarian Ministry of Defence sign the formal lease agreement in Budapest for 14 Gripen fighters. At the same time, the Hungarian Ministry of Economy and Gripen International sign an offset agreement in support of the Hungarian government’s lease agreement
The government of the Czech Republic declares that it has chosen Gripen as its solution to meet its national, European and NATO requirements
November 2001
The Hungarian Defence Minister Dr János Szabó and his Swedish equivalent Björn von Sydow sign a Memorandum of Understanding in Stockholm for the lease of 14 Gripen aircraft (12 single seat and 2 dual-seat) by the Hungarian government.
October 2001
FMV orders further integration work from Saab to give a new precision weapons capability to Swedish Gripen aircraft, including laser-guided weapons.
March 2001
The 100th Gripen aircraft is delivered to FMV.
July 2000
A total of 16,000 sorties corresponding to 12,000 flying hours is completed by Gripen.
April 2000
The manufacture of Gripen components is launched in South Africa as Denel Aviation starts to design and build NATO standard weapons pylons.
December 1999
The first Gripen export contract is signed in a ceremony in Pretoria, South Africa. South Africa purchases 28 Gripen fighters (19 single-seat and 9 dual-seat aircraft) and also 24 Hawk aircraft from British Aerospace (now BAE Systems).
September 1999
Swedish Air Force F 10 Wing, Ängelholm becomes the second Wing to operate Gripen.
November 1998
The South African government announces that it has selected Gripen to meet its national and regional defence needs and enters into negotiations with the Gripen joint venture team.
September 1998
The dual-seat Gripen makes its international appearance at the Farnborough Air Show, UK.
April 1998
An AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile is launched for the first time from a Gripen aircraft. The test is carried-out at FMV’s Vidsel test range in Sweden and is the first AMRAAM trials launch ever conducted outside of the USA.
A Gripen fitted with a ‘mock-up’ air-to-air refuelling probe, conducts flight tests in the UK with a Royal Air Force VC-10 tanker. The trials include a ‘dry’ connection in-flight with the VC-10 NATO tanker.
It is decided that Saab AB is to be listed on the Stockholm Stock Exchange. 35% of the shares and capital are purchased by British Aerospace (now BAE Systems). The Investor AB group retains 36% of the votes and 20% of the capital.
March 1998
An evaluation team from South Africa visits Linköping for a 10-day period and flies the Gripen.
Gripen visits South America for the first time, when two aircraft participate at the FIDAE Air Show in Santiago, Chile.
An agreement is signed with Ericsson Saab Avionics, to become the main supplier for the electronic countermeasures system in the export version of Gripen.
December 1997
The first dual-seat Gripen (39B) is delivered to FMV.
October 1997
Commander-in-Chief of the Swedish Air Force, Lieutenant General Kent Harrskog, declares the first Gripen squadron operational at a ceremony at F 7 Wing, Såtenäs.
The first Czech pilot to fly Gripen is Lt. General Ladisav Klima, who flies on 27 October 1997.
September 1997
Swedish Air Force Wing, F 7 Såtenas, conducts the first combat exercise by a Gripen squadron.
June 1997
The Swedish government gives FMV authority to sign a contract for Batch 3 of the Gripen, comprising 64 aircraft plus a development and improvement program; the contract is signed at the end of June
The first Hungarian pilot to fly Gripen is Ference Varga, who flies on 4 June 1997.
December 1996
The basic development work on the Gripen is concluded and the first Batch 2 aircraft is delivered to FMV.
October 1996
The Gripen fatigue test airframe passes 10,000 simulated flight hours without incident.
September 1996
A production Gripen aircraft is displayed overseas for the first time at the Farnborough Air Show, UK flying in the daily displays.
June 1996
Gripen is officially introduced into the Swedish Air Force as part of the inauguration of the Gripen Training Centre at the Skaraborg Wing (F 7), Såtenäs. The inauguration takes place in the presence of their Majesties King Carl Gustaf XVI and Queen Silvia of Sweden.
April 1996
The first dual-seat Gripen (39B) makes its maiden flight on 29 April.
December 1995
The 2000th Gripen test flight takes place. More than 90% of the scheduled test flights are now complete.
September 1995
Saab and the Hungarian government sign a Memorandum of Understanding. This is a broad-based industrial collaboration between Sweden and Hungary and includes an evaluation of Gripen for the Hungarian Air Force.
The dual-seat Gripen, 39B, is shown for the first time in a ceremony in Linköping.
June 1995
At the Paris Air Show, Saab and British Aerospace (now BAE SYSTEMS), sign a collaborative agreement for the joint marketing, system adaptation, production and product support of Gripen for the export market.
March 1995
FMV begins its flight test program with production aircraft at Malmen Air Base, outside Linköping.
June 1993
The first production aircraft (39.102) is delivered to FMV on 8 June.
September 1992
Two Gripen aircraft participate at the Farnborough Air Show, UK for the first time.
June 1992
An agreement is signed between FMV and Industry Group-JAS on the production of the second batch of Gripen’s for the Swedish Air Force, the development of the dual-seat Gripen version and the delivery of support systems.
December 1991
The Swedish government gives FMV authority to conclude Batch 2 negotiations with Industry Group-JAS.
November 1990
Swedish government reaffirms its approval for the Gripen program and gives FMV the authority to enter into the next phase of procurement negotiations with Industry Group-JAS.
May 1990
The second Gripen prototype aircraft (39-2) makes its maiden flight on 4 May.
December 1989
Swedish government approves the continued development of the Gripen program.
December 1988
Gripen makes it maiden flight on 9 December with test pilot Stig Holmström at the controls.
July 1988
A large number of tests and simulations culminate when the first Gripen test aircraft is linked to Saab’s simulator centre. A ‘closed-loop’ simulation is conducted and the aircraft is flown ‘dry’ for the first time, with a pilot in the cockpit and all systems activated.
March 1988
Engine tests start with the RM12 engine installed in the first Gripen prototype.
September 1987
Gripen’s radar is flown for the first time in a Viggen test aircraft.
April 1987
The first Gripen prototype makes its debut in front of the world’s press on 26 April, as part of Saab’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
February 1986
On 11 February a full-scale model is demonstrated for the first time to Swedish politicians, military personnel and the media
Gripen’s display system is test flown for the first time in a modified Viggen test aircraft.
May 1985
FFV Aerotech (now Saab Aerotech) delivers the first digital test equipment to Ericsson Radio Systems (now Ericsson Microwave Systems)
January 1985
The first test runs of the RM12 engine are carried out by Volvo Aero Corporation.
December 1984
Ground tests using hydraulic and flight control system rigs begin
April 1983
The Swedish Parliament approves the government’s order for the first batch of 30 Gripen aircraft.
September 1982
After a public competition, the new aircraft is given the name ‘Gripen’. The Gripen (Griffin or Gryphon in English) is a mythological creature – half eagle and half lion.
June 1982
Swedish Parliament approves the program for the development of a new fighter aircraft. The program is called JAS short for Jakt, Attack, Spaning in Swedish, which in English translates as air–to-air combat, ground attack and reconnaissance capability.
The Gripen fighter is designated JAS 39, as in accordance with the Swedish Air Forces numbering system, Gripen was officially the 39th aircraft system to enter service
A contract is signed between FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) and Industry Group-JAS, the industrial consortium of Saab, Volvo Aero Corporation AB, FFV Aerotech (now Saab Aerotech) and Ericsson Microwave Systems AB, responsible for the new aircraft’s development. The contract covers the full development and manufacture of five prototypes and an order for the first batch of 30 aircraft. An additional option is signed for a further 100 aircraft for the year 2000