Upset By ‘Politically Influenced’ F-35 Deal, SAAB Pins Hopes On ‘Impartial’ Canada For Gripen Fighter Jet Contract
Category: World News
Via: hallux • 2 years ago • 31 commentsBy: Ashish Dangwal - The Eurasian Times
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
Finland’s decision to acquire the US-made F-35 stealth fighter seems to have upset Saab, the maker of the Gripen jet. However, its chief executive remains optimistic about its chances of winning a Canadian contract later this year.
“I am disappointed when it comes to the selection by Finland to go the US way,” Micael Johansson said during a full-year results briefing on February 11. “We had a great offer to Finland in all aspects. I don’t see how we could have done it better.”
Finland announced in December that it would replace its aging F/A-18 fighter jets with 64 F-35 fighter jets and weapons systems in a $9.4 billion contract. For the same deal, Saab, a Finnish aerospace company, was pitching a package including two Gripen-E jets and two Bombardier Global 6000-based GlobalEye surveillance planes.
He said the decision to opt for F-35 may have been taken based on political judgments. “Everything comes to politics sometimes – this is not only about having a great product,” Johansson said, adding, “We have several opportunities going forward on the Gripen side.”
The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) is currently looking for a new fighter jet to replace its aging CF-18 Hornets. After Boeing was ruled out of the race, the F-35A and Gripen E qualified to compete in the final phase for the 88-plane contract.
“We have a clear answer from the Canadians that we have passed certain requirements for affordability, capability and security when it comes to having our system working inter-operably within the Two Eyes, Five Eyes and NORAD context,” Johansson says. “We are now waiting for the next steps from them.”
He acknowledges that political issues will undoubtedly play a role in the decision-making process, but adds, “We can only do what we are best at. We give countries sovereign capability – we transfer technology, we set up shop in-country, with the capability to manufacture and further develop our systems.”
Canada is likely to reach a decision and award a contract under its Future Fighter Capability Project in 2022. Last year, Saab’s first six Gripen-Es rolled out from its Linkoping facility, kicking off the delivery process for the Swedish and Brazilian air forces. The two services have placed joint orders for 96 new-generation fighters.
Saab Gripen-E
The Gripen-E is an upgraded variant of the Gripen C/D multi-role aircraft that is powered by a GE F414G turbofan engine. It can carry a maximum payload of 16,500 kg and travels at Mach 2.
According to Saab, it has a new AESA-radar, an Infrared Search and Track System (IRST) to monitor threats over greater distances, sophisticated electronic warfare and communication systems, and superior situational awareness. As described by its manufacturer, “The E-series redefines airpower for the 21st century by extending operational capabilities.”
The Gripen E-series’ Human-Machine Collaboration (HMC) feature integrates tactical technologies that provide only pertinent information to the pilot by filtering out any other highly technical and confusing data. In times of crisis, this helps the pilot to save time and act practically instantaneously.
Gripen is not stealthy, but several countries are interested in it because of Saab’s willingness to work with indigenous industries and accept offset conditions. In 2015, the older Saab Gripens C/D with the Thailand Air Force defeated the Chinese J-11 aircraft in wargames, as Eurasian Times previously reported .
Does Gripen-E Stand Chance?
As mentioned previously, Saab is offering its Gripen-E model to Canada. The Gripen-E is an upgraded variant of the Gripen C/D multi-role aircraft. The company is pitching the same model to India.
The technological advantages definitely favor Lockheed Martin’s offering, notably because Canada could acquire the future Block 4, which is more advanced than the present F-35 model.
However, the Gripen proposal from Saab for Canada is attractive because of its technology transfer offer and significant offset program, which involves the building of two aerospace sites in Canada.
The competition’s result should be revealed in 2022, with the first new fighters slated to arrive in 2025. Meanwhile, a limited number of RCAF CF-18s will be equipped with AESA radars to ensure that they have a minimum of current operating capabilities until the middle of the decade.
Sweden is not a member of NATO or Norad, the joint Canadian-American defense command in charge of safeguarding the continent against foreign threats. This led to the question about the Gripen’s interoperability with American aircraft.
Experts believe Canada needs to decide if it wants greater independence and autonomy from the US in the future or stronger integration with its main continental and NATO partner. The real question is — which of the two approaches will benefit Canada the most in the long run.
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As long as they are not painted like that, the Gripen-E sounds like the best pick considering Australia's problems with the F-35.
The Gripen-E sounds like the way to go.
Although England is offering the upgraded version of the Sopwith Camel.
That looks maintenance free.
That's because it hasn't flown since 1918.
Neither has the pilot ... unmatched survivability.
Indeed, a really grand selling tool.
What problems are those?
Read the article- no specifics are given as to what is causing the reduced flight time. It could be operating costs and Covid for. F-35's are not cheap to operate.
As for it's capability against Chinese fighters- who knows how it will operate until there is actual head to head competition. Simulations can only go so far; and biased data can easily affect the outcome.
I am not going to disagree with the F-35 being expensive to run or maintain- those are both well established facts; but it is still considered one of the most advanced fighter jets on the planet.
I found one website that offered a head to head comparison. If you want distance, speed, maneuverability, climbing ability, and lower maintenance go with the Gripen-E. If you want stealth, technology, weapons, and avionics go with the F-35.
I think the whole distance argument is a little bit of BS. Both would have to be refueled in the air to get to and from any incursion with China.
I guess the real question is do the Gripen E's better flying ability overcome it's lack of technology; or do the F-35's technological advantages overcome it's lack of flying ability? If one is trying to avoid combat go with the F-35; which has the stealth technology to avoid detection. If combat is unavoidable- then the Gripen-E may be the better choice- if it's defensive counter measures are up to the task.
Frankly speaking I can't believe that countries like Canada and Australia don't companies with their own fighter jet programs. Those are multi billion dollar industries; and the market is booming with Russia and China rattling their sabers; and the US falling from grace after Afghanistan.
Sounds like SAAB is just being a sore loser over Finland buying the F-35. Canada, like other countries, will do whatever their governments feel is in their own best interest. Which is how it should be.
What sold Finland on the F-35 was that the US committed to buy $9 billion dollars of Finland's best vodka.
We come out way ahead on that deal.
The parts and maintenance alone on the F-35's will more than tip the scale.
Unless there have been some major changes Saab is a Swedish aerospace company.
Those Nordic people all look the same, well except for the Sami.
I noticed that, AI editors have a long way to go.
There's a fascinating culture! I'm kind of obsessed.
Indeed it is. During the protest over DAPL the Sami sent over a number of people to join the protestors.
Hold everything, Lichenstein has just made an offer to Canada for 105 XXYYZZ1 Flying Moose, code name, ''Bullwinkle''.
Stop me before I go completely off the rails, Hallux.
My seeds don't have rails ...
Canada did buy some 'newish' tanks ... the Leyland Beaver:
... and of course our updated WTH is that beaver:
There is plenty of rivers, creeks to cross in Canada so it's an impressive vehicle. Of course, if Canada invades the US at the MN crossing they will be indispensable to cross the Red and or Rainy river.
Is the autopilot system codenamed Rocky as well?
It is, how did you know that?
Boris and Natasha are the mechanics, but don't tell anyone.
Lord, we're showing our age here! Lol
Crossing the river called De Nile
Please don't stop - I can't stop laughing.
Personally, I believe Canada will succumb to pressure from the USA and buy American, rather than the SAAB fighter jet. Canada has a history of doing that.
This is a fascinating story about Black Friday, the day Canada cancelled the production of the Avro Arrow, a fighter jet that was so advanced beyond its time it was a threat to American protection of its own industry.
One of my clients was a Brit who was a top engineer on the project who left Canada because of the cancellation, whose home close to Toronto's Casa Loma castle I had to sell, and who gave me some information about the event, so I am among those who believe this...
The Avro Arrow – 10 Surprising Facts About Canada’s Legendary Lost Fighter Jet
Yep, the Avro Arrow. Definitely a case of should have, could have, would have been a great one.
Just a STEPPING STONE TOWARDS THE 22 AND THE 35
The Aveo was cancelled in 1959 without explanation
as were thousands of other military programs.
Interceptors gave way to preemption
all too easily
I once rented a SAAB car for a day trip. In all my life, no matter how many cars I owned or drove, some great cars, none of them handled so smoothly and beautifully as that SAAB. I could have driven it for 8 hours straight without getting tired.
I'll take a Volvo thanks. I've driven and worked on more than a few Saabs and they run good and drive good but Saab never missed a chance to try to reinvent the wheel. You could play a drinking game by taking a Saab to a mechanic who's never worked on one and every time he says "that's odd" or "what the F" you have to take a drink.
Well, as I said, I only drove a rented one for a day and it didn't need a mechanic's help, but over the years I've owned, among other makes, 3 different Volvos and they were good solid cars.