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IAF Pilot flying Gripen at
Aero India 2007
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A tried and tested aircraft, low life-cycle maintenance costs, compatibility with India’s Su-30 aircraft and successful implementation of offsets program is the package that Sweden’s Gripen aircraft is bringing to India as part of its offer for the M-MRCA contract.
At a presentation on the Gripen, Mr. Tony Ogilvy, Director India, SAAB Gripen, said that his company is confident that the Gripen new generation fighter is the complete solution to Indian Air Force’s (IAF) needs, as Gripen will meet, or exceed, every operational requirement raised by the IAF in all roles; air-to-air fighter, air-to-surface and reconnaissance.
He said Gripen is the most reliable true multi-role combat aircraft available in the world today. The Indian Air Force can expect fewer failures, less maintenance down time, and the lowest cost of support compared to any other aircraft in its class. This excellence also extends to maintainability and testability, where Gripen’s inherent design characteristics deliver not only the lowest-cost initial support package, but also the lowest through-life support costs. Gripen’s unbeatable low life cycle cost (LCC) is a result of its inherent design characteristics.
Acquisition of Gripen would see a smooth transition into IAF operational service, with logistics, pilot and maintenance training being conducted in advance of aircraft delivery, together with initial on-site pilot and maintenance support.
Later, speaking exclusively to www.aeroindianews.com, the Official E-Magazine of Aero India 2007, Adrian Stockwell, Communication Director India, Gripen International elaborated on some of the aspects of the aircraft including LCC and the offsets program implemented by Gripen in South Africa, Hungary and Czech Republic where Gripen aircraft have been sold.
“Gripen, through the supply chains, networks and resources of its shareholders is able to deliver a customized Industrial Participation (IP) package, tailored to meet customers’ specific requirements and support their macro-economic objectives. We are committed to responsible and sustainable development and believe that this can only be achieved through the delivery of new economic benefits that will continue long after any IP target fulfillment deadlines have been met.
Giving the example of South Africa, he said Gripen’s shareholders have established a dedicated team comprising experts in various industrial sectors, who work in close consultation with the South African government to identify and implement suitable IP projects. Since 2000, this team have implemented numerous projects in defence and aerospace and more than 40 in sectors such as gold and platinum benefication, automotive component manufacturing, timber product exports, tourism development, bio-technology, medical research, commercial marine engineering & ship repair, power-generation componentry, mining equipment manufacture and wine exports. By July 2006, these activities had created almost US$ 4 billion of new economic activity in South Africa.
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