Gripen's Smart Support Solution Story

From Makers Of The Gripen

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GRIPEN IS a unique fighter system, bringing a perfect balance between performance and cost-efficiency. Throughout design and construction, Saab has ensured that Gripen is easy to service and repair, making it possible to offer moderate operational and maintenance costs that no other aircraft comes close to matching. The story of Gripen’s smart support solution dates back more than 80 years.

It all started back in 1937 when it was clear that Europe was on the brink of a major conflict. In Sweden, a small neutral country with peace for more than a century, government and industry decided to prepare for the worst. Saab was founded with the mission to secure the nation’s supply of military aircraft as part of its drive to maintain national security and sovereignty.

Being a country with small and very limited resources, but at the same time located in a strategic place and hence vulnerable, it soon became apparent that something very special was required to mitigate the threats within available resource limits. The Swedish Government, defence forces and Saab managed to agree on some basic requirements that would apply to all aircraft designed and produced; requirements that are as valid today as it was in 1937.

In short, the agreement included the following: