Defence

Flight International online news 14:00GMT: BAE Systems and Saab have announced that production of the Gripen multirole fighter destined for the South African Air Force has been completed and that the aircraft is ready to move on to flight trials.

The SAAF has ordered a small inventory of 19 single-seat Gripen C fighters and nine D-model two-seat combat-capable trainers, deliveries of which will run from early 2008 to 2011.

Two-seater deliveries will begin in January 2008 and conclude in late 2009, with single-seat aircraft to be handed over from 2009-2011.

Although South Africa was the first export customer to select the Gripen, it will tail the Czech Republic and Hungary in fielding the fighter.

The Gripen will formally enter South African service in 2008, with the air force's last Cheetah interceptor and ground-attack aircraft to be retired around 2012.

ROSS BENTLEY/LONDON