Defence

Saab today presented the Netherlands Ministry of Defence with an all-inclusive proposal for 85 Gripen NG (next generation) as a new alternative to the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

Saab’s response to an F-16 replacement “questionnaire” marks the company’s formal re-emergence in the competition since the Royal Netherlands Air Force disqualified a previous Gripen design in 2000.

The submittal also opens a second front in Northern Europe on the F-35 partnership. The Gripen is now in contention in both Norway and the Netherlands, both members of the F-35 development programme.

It is still not clear if Saab’s response will prompt the Dutch to hold a formal competition for the F-16 replacement, or simply continue with plans to award the contract to Lockheed.

“Some parties in the Parliament are starting to ask the question, ‘Is this good for the Netherlands?” said Magnus Ollson, Saab’s campaign manager for the Netherlands.

Saab’s offer includes the 85 Gripen NGs, training, spares, simulators and support for an undisclosed price. The package also offers industrial offsets that match the value of the all-inclusive contract.

Saab plans to present more details of its offer at a press conference in The Hague on Tuesday.