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RNAF interested in Gripen |
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Tuesday, 26 August 2008 |
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The Royal Netherlands Air Force has contacted Saab over the possibility of replacing its ageing fleet of F-16s with the Gripen fighter jet.
Aircraft manufacturer Saab has responded to a query by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF) about the possibility of replacing its ageing fleet of Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcons with the Gripen fighter jet.
Contacting the Dutch ministry of defence, Saab issued a proposal offering 85 Gripen NG (next-generation) multi-role fighter jets to the RNAF.
In addition to the aircraft, the proposed total care contract also covers aftermarket services such as training, spares provision, simulators and support.
Saab also said that it is prepared to offer industrial co-operation to at least 100 per cent of the total value of a possible contract, something which would generate significant economic advantage for Dutch aviation companies.
The company believes that Gripen NG meets all the requirements laid out by the RNAF, including combat range, endurance, weapons carriage capability, engine thrust and super cruise capability.
The LM F-16 Fighting Falcon was originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force and entered service in 1978. Thirty years later, some 4,400 F-16s have been built and the aircraft actively serves the air forces of 25 nations. |
