LINKOPING, Sweden, July 9, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Gripen International, the company in which SAAB AB of Sweden and the United Kingdom's BAE SYSTEMS have an equal share, has welcomed receipt of a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) for up to 48 new fighters from the Polish government.
Gripen International welcomes the opportunity respond and is confident of submitting a fully compliant response to the Polish government tender. This will be based on the supply of Gripen, the world's most capable and cost effective combat aircraft in operation today, supported by a long term program of industrial cooperation and offset.
"Gripen is a truly international fighter, containing the latest technologies from major European and American defense suppliers," said Bob Kemp, Sales & Marketing Director of Gripen International. "We look forward to the competition process and are confident that our industrial and financial proposals will show that Gripen is the most affordable and superior security solution for the national defense and NATO cooperation needs of Poland."
The Gripen International's industrial program will meet the specific strategic needs of the Polish government and provide technology, export promotion, job creation and in-country investment among others. "We will offer a broad program of industrial cooperation, which will help create jobs and long-term growth in a wide range of industrial sectors," commented Bjorn Magnusson, Director, Gripen International, Poland.
SAAB AB and BAE SYSTEMS are world leaders in the delivery of economic compensation to support defense sales. To date, programs in more than 30 countries have been implemented with a total value in excess of U.S. $22 billion.
Note to editors: Gripen International is the company, which acts as a prime contracting organization, responsible for marketing, selling and supporting the Gripen aircraft worldwide. SAAB of Sweden and BAE SYSTEMS of the United Kingdom jointly own Gripen International.
Gripen is the first new-generation multi-role fighter in service world- wide, designed to meet the demands of all current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict peace-time requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs.
Already in service with the Swedish Air Force, which has ordered 204 aircraft (including 28 dual-seaters), Gripen has also been ordered by the South African Air Force (28 aircraft) and Hungary has signed an agreement with the Swedish government for the lease of 14 Gripen fighters. Gripen has also been selected to meet the national, NATO and European defense needs of the Czech Republic, which has a requirement for 24 fighters.
Further information is available from:
Joanna Sjolander, Communications Manager, Gripen InternationalPhone: +46 13 184216 Mobile: +46 70 889 54 94 Fax: +46 13 18 0055 joanna.sjolander@gripen.com
Owe Wagermark, Senior Vice President Communications, Gripen InternationalPhone: +46 13 18 4014 Mobile: +46 70 889 60 00 Fax: +46 13 18 0055owe.wagermark@gripen.com
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