LINKOPING, Sweden, Feb. 7, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- FMV (The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration) has awarded Gripen International, owned jointly by SAAB of Sweden and the United Kingdom's BAE SYSTEMS, an amendment to the contract signed in December 2001 for the adaptation and support of Hungarian Gripen multi-role fighters designated for use by the Hungarian Air Force.
Gripen International will manage the contract as prime contractor and award a number of sub-contracts to ensure the Hungarian requirements are met. The main sub-contract was signed today with SAAB AB to adapt the aircraft to meet all Hungarian requirements and support the aircraft over the 10-year service period. It follows the signing of the enhanced agreement for 14 Gripen fighters to Hungary, signed in Budapest on February 3, 2003.
"I am pleased to say that we have finalized the contract between FMV and Gripen International, in relation to the Hungarian contract. We have also signed a contract with Saab, the content of which provides all necessary authority for work to commence in support of the customers stated requirements. The manner in which discussions have been held and agreement reached has demonstrated a very high level of commitment by all parties involved in the process," said Gripen Internationals Procurement Director Phil Humphreys.
The Gripen aircraft will be adapted to meet to the extended specification required by the government of Hungary for the modernization of its air force to meet national and NATO defense needs. The Hungarian Gripen will be equipped with a retractable Air-to-Air Refueling (AAR) probe, capability to use NATO interoperable weapons including Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs), an advanced electronic warfare system, On Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), English language full color cockpit displays and NATO interoperable communications suit. This ensures the Hungarian Gripen can operate world wide, from NATO or dispersed bases, jointly with alliance Air and Ground Forces.
Under the government-to-government agreement, 14 Gripen fighters will be delivered to Hungary from Sweden in batches during 2006-2007. Initial training of pilots and technicians will be carried out in Sweden.
Notes 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 fourth 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 requirements for flight safety, reliability, training efficiency and low operating costs.
Already in operational service with the Swedish Air Force, which has ordered 204 aircraft (including 28 dual-seater), Gripen has also been ordered by the South African Air Force (28 aircraft) and Hungary has signed an agreement with the Swedish government for 14 Gripen fighters.
For further information please contact:
Marie Akto, Communications Manager Gripen International Mobile: +46 70 989 71 10 Email: marie.akto@gripen.com Owe Wagermark, Senior Vice President Communications Gripen International Email: owe.wagermark@gripen.com Mobile: +46 70 889 60 00 Fax: +46 13 18 0055 www.gripen.com This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/07/20030207BIT00330/wkr0001.doc www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2003/02/07/20030207BIT00330/wkr0002.pdf