Saab Involved in Deal Between Swedish and Thai Government
We all know that Saab is a Swedish company that not only manufactures automobiles but also specializes in the development of military equipment for aviation and defense. So this doesn’t come us a surprise when Saab is tapped in a deal between the Swedish government and the Thailand government.
Based on reports, the Swedish government has approved the sale of aviation equipment to the government of Thailand. The negotiation was done specifically between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Royal Thai Air Force. This means that Thailand will be able to purchase six Gripen systems, which includes two single-seater C-versions and four two-seater D-versions. The deal also allows them to acquire two Saab 340 aircrafts, with one of those aircrafts having a Saab’s Erieye radar equipped with it.
Saab’s CEO and president Ake Svensson considers this deal a milestone of some sort. “This is a milestone and a very positive reinforcement for Saab. This means that there are now customers in six countries who have chosen Gripen. It is also very satisfying that the deal involves several other products from Saab, such as Saab 340, the Erieye surveillance radar and advanced command and control systems.”
Even Gripen International has expressed their excitement about their involvement in this deal. “This deal is extremely important for us in our work with potential Gripen customers. This is a new region of the world where Gripen will be in operation. We are now definitely world leading in the export of the new generation’s fighter aircraft and this confirms Gripen’s future export potential”, says Johan Lehander, Managing Director, Gripen International.
It’s nice to know that a government is capable of upgrading its defenses. Let’s just hope that they end up using these for defense purposes only and not for anything else.
Sources: saabgroup.com, air-attack.com
