Saab has received its latest contract from Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration linked to development of the Gripen E multirole fighter.

Valued at roughly SKr5.8 billion ($812 million), the deal includes the provision of role equipment, as well as support and maintenance equipment from 2016, Saab says. This is the fourth such award to have been placed so far for the Gripen E, it adds, following others for development and production activities.

“Work with Gripen E goes according to schedule and budget,” says Lennart Sindahl, head of the company’s Aeronautics business area. “This order represents another important step in Saab’s commitment to deliver the next generation of Gripen system to Sweden.”

The company will fly three prototypes of the single-seat type from the second half of next year.

Saab is to produce a minimum of 60 new-build Gripen Es for the Swedish air force, with first deliveries scheduled to take place between 2018 and 2026. The service has previously expressed a desire to increase its fleet of the type to 80 examples.

Gripen E Brazil - Saab

Saab

Brazil also plans to acquire an initial 36 Gripens under its F-X2 procurement, having selected the aircraft in December 2013.

Source: FlightGlobal.com