SOURCE: RAUNAK KUNDE / NEWS BEAT / IDRW.ORG
In the race for India’s highly anticipated Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal, Swedish defense technology giant Saab has made significant strides by offering to establish full-scale production of its Gripen fighter jets in India. Kent-Ake Molin, Saab Campaign Director and Head of Gripen for India Programme (Business Area Aeronautics), recently emphasized the company’s commitment to indigenization and localization efforts in India. He stated, “We foresee that we can set up full-scale production in India, which will include everything; not just airframe, but also systems and software.”
Saab’s proposal goes beyond just delivering aircraft; it aims to create an entire ecosystem centered around the Gripen platform in India. The defense major has been in favorable discussions with multiple private partners, laying the groundwork for what Molin referred to as a “rapid indigenization” strategy. This move aligns with the Indian government’s Make in India initiative, aimed at boosting domestic defense manufacturing capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign imports.
“We have had engagements with the IAF to understand its requirements and have responded to the Request for Information (RFI) for the MRFA deal in 2018,” Molin added, underlining Saab’s dedication to aligning its offering with the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operational needs. “We are working with our industry partners here, on how to fully indigenize this platform, finding and building a blueprint for an ecosystem for them.”
One of the standout elements of Saab’s offer is its ability to rapidly deliver the Gripen fighter jets within a three-year timeframe, once the deal is signed. Molin reiterated that the company is well-prepared to meet this timeline, backed by its network of Indian industry partners. “We are well-prepared to rapidly deliver fighter aircraft to the IAF, supported by our Indian partners, within a three-year timeframe,” he said.
Saab’s plan to manufacture the Gripen in India would cover not just the airframe but extend to critical components like systems and software, making it one of the most comprehensive localization efforts ever proposed for a foreign fighter aircraft in India. The company’s willingness to transfer key technologies and establish local production lines showcases its dedication to India’s long-term defense self-reliance.
The Gripen is a 4.5-generation multi-role fighter that has earned a reputation for its affordability, advanced capabilities, and operational flexibility. For the IAF, which is seeking to replace its aging fleet of MiG-21 and other legacy aircraft, the Gripen offers several advantages:
Interoperability with Indian Systems: The ability to integrate Indian-made weapons and systems is a key feature Saab is focusing on, which would increase the platform’s attractiveness to the IAF.
Advanced Sensor Suite: The Gripen boasts cutting-edge avionics and electronic warfare systems, including the Raven AESA radar, providing high-end situational awareness.
Cost-Effective Operations: Known for its low operational and maintenance costs, the Gripen can perform a wide range of missions without imposing a heavy financial burden.
Combat-Ready in Indian Conditions: The aircraft is highly versatile and capable of operating in diverse environments, making it suitable for India’s varied topography—from the deserts of Rajasthan to the heights of the Himalayas.
The MRFA deal is expected to procure 114 multi-role fighter jets for the IAF, aimed at bolstering India’s air combat capabilities in the face of evolving regional security challenges. The program is also seen as a critical opportunity for India to ramp up domestic defense production, given its strategic emphasis on self-reliance. Saab’s offer of deep technology transfer and local manufacturing could play a decisive role in fulfilling this objective.
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