Saab Receives RBS 70 NG Order from the Brazilian Army
Saab has signed a contract with the Brazilian Army for deliveries of RBS 70 NG – the latest generation of the RBS 70 man-portable air defence system. In addition to the RBS 70 NG system, the order also includes training systems, camouflage systems and other associated equipment. This is the Brazilian Army’s first order of the latest RBS 70 NG version and marks a significant upgrade to their air defence capability. Their existing RBS 70 inventory has been in service with the Brazilian Army since 2014. The system had a big role in 2016 as it was a part of the protection of the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Saab portfolio of short-range ground-based air defence missile systems includes the RBS 70 and the latest version, RBS 70 NG. The RBS 70 system has an impressive track-record on the market with more than 1,600 launchers and over 17,000 missiles delivered to nineteen countries.
Second GlobalEye Takes to the Sky
Saab has completed a successful first flight with the second GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. The second GlobalEye aircraft took off for the first time on 3 January 2019 from Saab’s airfield in Linköping. GlobalEye, which is based on a modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft with a suite of advanced sensors including the Erieye ER airborne radar, undertook a test flight collecting flight-test data. The flight duration was 2 hours 54 minutes. GlobalEye brings extended detection range, endurance and the ability to perform multiple roles, including tasks such as search and rescue, border surveillance and military operations. The launch customer for GlobalEye is United Arab Emirates, where the solution is known as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS).
Saab Offers Gripen E to Switzerland
Supported by Sweden, Saab has submitted its proposal for the Swiss New Fighter Aircraft procurement to armasuisse, the Swiss defence procurement agency. Saab offers Gripen E and a comprehensive industrial participation programme for Swiss industry corresponding to 100 percent of the contract value. The proposal consisting of options for 30, and 40, new build Gripen E fighter aircraft is a response to the Request for Proposal (RFP), which armasuisse issued 6 July 2018. Switzerland has a need to replace its fighter fleet of F/A-18 Hornet and F-5 E/F Tiger aircraft.
As part of the proposal to Switzerland, Saab offers Swiss industrial participation worth 100 percent of the contract value. The co-operation with Swiss industry, across all regions of the country, in manufacturing, maintenance and technology will improve competence and capabilities aimed at the sustainment and further development of the Gripen E system in Switzerland. Saab has a historical, strong and broad supplier base in Switzerland, which this programme will further expand to assure cost efficient through-life co-operation.
The Gripen E programme is progressing according to plan, with production on-going and customer deliveries starting this year. The very latest technologies are being incorporated to provide air forces with operational capabilities designed to defeat the threats of today, but also the future. Key milestones achieved during the past six months include flights with IRIS-T and METEOR, as well as the second Gripen E aircraft taking flight.
Five nations currently operate Gripen: Sweden, South Africa, Czech Republic, Hungary and Thailand. Sweden and Brazil have ordered Gripen E. Additionally, the UK Empire Test Pilots’ School (ETPS) uses Gripen as platform for test pilot training.