The Gripen solution for Hungary

The Gripen solution for Hungary

3 January 2001

SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen has responded to the Hungarian government's request for information (RFI) for the modernisation of the Hungarian Air Force with a proposal to supply up to 24 NATO-interoperable Gripen fourth-generation multi-role/swing-role fighters.

Supported by a finance package and an industrial co-operation programme that would provide significant long-term economic benefits, the aircraft would be delivered from 2005.

Gripen says the specific benefits to Hungary of a Gripen solution include:


From 2005, the delivery of up to 24 fourth-generation NATO-interoperable Gripen fighters, (including four two-seater variants) which will form the core of Hungary's modernised
air force to fulfil its national defence and NATO requirements.

Linked to the procurement of Gripen, an opportunity to further stimulate Hungarian industry in both the commercial and defence sectors through the development of strategic partnerships with key European companies.

A long-term and flexible finance proposal, backed by the governments of Sweden and the United Kingdom, that could delay the normal initial capital outlay involved with a major acquisition program.

A complete logistics and pilot-training support package which could include the opportunity for a number of Hungarian pilots to train with the Swedish Air Force on Gripen, enabling the early establishment of fully qualified multi-role/swing-role operational instructors and pilots.
"A new-build Gripen solution is the best possible option for the Hugarian Air Force, for Hugarian industry and for the Hugarian national economy," states Jan Narlinge, managing director, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen. "It provides the best long-term solution for Hungary, not just in terms of meeting national and international defense obligations, but also in terms of affordability and delivering economic benefits."

"Hungarian industry would benefit from participation in a comprehensive programme of long-term partnerships across a wide range of industrial sectors," promised Torbjorn Edberg, SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS' Gripen director for Hungary. "These partnerships and associated investments would not only provide Hungary with economic benefits before the first financial payment was due but would also continue well beyond the delivery period of the aircraft."

SAAB-BAE SYSTEMS Gripen has already registered more than US $575 million in pre-contract offsets with the Hungarian Ministry of Economy.


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DSD

Hungary chooses Gripen

23 November 2001

Sweden and Hungary have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under which Hungary will lease 14 JAS 39 Gripen aircraft currently operational within the Swedish Air Force over a period of 10 years.

At the same time, Gripen International, owned jointly by Saab and BAE SYSTEMS, has negotiated an offset agreement connected to the Gripen contract. The offset agreement will be signed as early as December this year, and will afford Hungary industrial co-operation and economic development.

"This is a breakthrough in Europe and an important step for us on the international market," says Ake Svensson, President of Saab Aerospace, which will be modifying the aircraft to Hungarian specifications.

Hungary is the third country to choose the Gripen, after Sweden and South Africa. Pilots and engineers will initially be trained in Sweden. Adjustments and modification to, among others, NATO standard will be carried out at Saab Aerospace. The first Gripen aircraft will be delivered to Hungary in autumn 2004, and will be fully operational the following summer.


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DSD

Gripen International awarded Hungarian contract

2 January 2002



FMV (The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) has awarded Gripen International, owned jointly by Saab of Sweden and the United Kingdom's BAE SYSTEMS, a contract for the adaptation and support of Swedish Air Force Gripen swing-role fighters designated for use by the Hungarian Air Force.

Gripen International will manage the contract as prime contractor and award a number of sub-contracts to ensure the Hungarian requirements are met. The main sub-contract will be to Saab AB (approximately SEK 1 billion) to adapt the aircraft to Hungarian needs and support the aircraft over its 10 year service period.

The company will be responsible for adapting Swedish Gripen aircraft to the specification required by the government of Hungary for the modernisation of its air force to meet national and NATO defense needs.

"Swedish Air Force variants of Gripen have already operated successfully with aircraft from NATO forces in PFP exercises. Our work will ensure that Hungarian Air Force Gripen fighters are fully NATO compatible and interoperable and will allow the Hungarian Air Force to maximise its contribution for NATO's collective defence," said Ian McNamee, managing director, Gripen International.

Under the government-to-government lease agreement, 14 Gripen fighters will be delivered to Hungary from Sweden in batches, beginning late 2004. The Hungarian Air Force's Gripen squadron will become fully operational during 2005.

Initial training of pilots and technicians will be carried out in Sweden, while UK Government support will provide Hungarian aircrew and other personnel with English language training and experience of NATO operations, as required.


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DSD