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2021-06-06

Saab Offers Gripen and Advanced Weapons to Finland

With support from the Swedish Government, Saab has recently submitted its Best and Final Offer (BAFO) to the Finnish defence procurement agency for the Finnish HX fighter procurement. The proposal comprises 64 Gripen E fighter aircraft and an extensive weapons package, as well as two GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The offer was made in response to Finland’s request in January for a BAFO. The country is looking to replace the capability provided by its current fleet of F/A-18 C/D Hornet aircraft.

The proposed solution features cutting-edge technology for the continuously changing and challenging operational environment. Gripen is built to defeat the threats of the region and responds well to the country’s requirements. It is designed for road-base operations in a harsh climate and to enable easy maintenance. The offering includes some of the most advanced weapons, such as the Meteor for air targets at medium to long distance, the IRIS-T for air targets at short distance, SPEAR for ground targets at medium distance and the KEPD350/Taurus for long-range strike missions against ground targets.

GlobalEye brings additional sensor capabilities, for joint operations with Gripen as well as providing benefits for the entire Finnish defence forces. As a strategic asset, GlobalEye will serve across the entire operational spectrum, providing vital information for Finland.

“With Gripen’s outstanding capabilities, Finland can renew its fighter fleet without compromising on the number of fighters. Thanks to a competitive life-cycle cost, the Finnish Defence Forces will be able to stay within the budgetary targets, and even secure a margin for other vital defence capabilities over the years to come,” said Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.

Building National Capabiltites

The proposal also comprises the necessary equipment and associated services needed for operating the system through an extensive industrial cooperation programme, with the aim to build national capabilities in Finland. This includes transfer to local industry of maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities, parts production, as well as final assembly of engines and aircraft. Saab will also establish a Gripen & GlobalEye System Centre in Finland, to ensure independent operations and continuous capability growth of the systems until 2060. A procurement decision will reportedly be taken later this year.

Finland is an important market for Saab. The company has a long history in the country and is expanding its activities and establishing partnerships with local industry and academia.

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