Sweden's SAAB has suggested to the Indian Government the establishment of a highly sophisticated aerospace industry that would encompass various layers of design, production, and maintenance, along with the introduction of the Gripen E fighter jet.
Mikael Franzen, Chief Marketing Officer, Gripen, and Vice President of Business Area Aeronautics at the Swedish group highlighted that the Gripen E is currently the most advanced and financially efficient fighter aircraft available, offering the potential to greatly enhance the Air Power of the Indian Air Force with its cutting-edge sensor and networking capabilities.
The Indian Air Force currently utilizes the Rafale and Tejas fighters, but sees potential for a transformative asset such as the Gripen E on two significant fronts.
Firstly, there is a need for a fighter aircraft capable of swift and extensive deployment. Secondly, there is a demand for a technological juggernaut that has already demonstrated prowess in consistently integrating new advancements to excel in Net Centric Warfare, Electronic Warfare, and the Kill Chain process, as emphasized by the speaker.
Gripen E surpasses expectations with its rapidly advancing artificial intelligence features, positioning it as a frontrunner among other fighter aircraft, as articulated by the individual discussing the jet.
Gripen stands out as the sole fighter aircraft capable of seamlessly integrating new technology without enduring prolonged fleet downtime, owing to its swift and efficient process for qualifying and certifying new software. According to Franzen, Gripen grants Air Forces an exclusive capacity to develop, validate, integrate, and certify their own software independently of the manufacturer.
"Saab would be making the biggest transfer of technology and capability in the history of defence aviation, engaging with 300+ of tier 1,2 and 3 companies including MSMEs. The infusion of industrial capabilities and new technologies make Gripen a potential stepping stone to bolster India's indigenous fighter projects such as AMCA," underscored the Swedish business executive.
Saab's primary objective in India is to expeditiously supply aircraft, with the possibility of delivery as early as the third year following contract initiation. Subsequently, there will be a significant increase in production capacity to allow the Indian Air Force to diversify its fleet resources.
"There is a blueprint not only to build aircraft, initially out of Sweden and then in India at a rapid pace, but also to build an Indian eco-system of Indian companies, in parallel. This will also form a regional industrial hub with significant opportunities for exports”, he adds.
Franzen stated that this method will enable the IAF to integrate personalized national software and artificial intelligence into the advanced Gripen avionics systems, allowing for swift expansion as processing capabilities and AI technology advance.
In summary, SAAB's unique offering entails an aircraft that is designed to withstand the test of time, with the 'make in India' initiative at its core, laying the foundation for future aircraft capabilities that surpass those of existing fighter aircraft.