Saab Unveils Ultimate Proposal for Finland: A Game-Changer Awaits!
Saab, with robust backing from the Swedish Government, has submitted its Best and Final Offer (BAFO) to the Finnish defense procurement agency concerning the Finnish HX fighter acquisition. This proposal includes 64 Gripen E fighter jets alongside a comprehensive weapons package, as well as two GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. This submission addresses the client’s request for a BAFO made in January 2021. Finland aims to replace the capabilities of its existing fleet of F/A-18 C/D Hornet aircraft.
The proposed solution showcases cutting-edge technology suitable for the ever-evolving and demanding operational landscape. Gripen is engineered to counter regional threats and aligns excellently with the client’s specifications. It is also designed for road-based operations in challenging climates, allowing for straightforward maintenance by conscript technicians. The offer contains some of the most advanced munitions available, including the Meteor for medium to long-range aerial targets, the IRIS-T for short-range air threats, SPEAR for medium-range ground targets, and the KEPD350/Taurus for long-distance strike missions against land-based objectives.
GlobalEye introduces distinctive additional sensor capabilities for joint operations with Gripen and benefits the Finnish defense forces as a whole. As a strategic asset, GlobalEye will operate across the entire spectrum of operations, delivering crucial intelligence for Finland. The synergistic effect of Gripen and GlobalEye will be formidable.
“With Gripen’s exceptional capabilities and operational readiness, Finland can modernize its fighter fleet without reducing the quantity of aircraft. With a genuinely competitive life-cycle cost, the Finnish Defence Forces will remain within budgetary limits and even secure resources for other essential defense capabilities in the future,” states Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
“GlobalEye adds substantial sensor capabilities that will deliver strategic and immediate insights to Gripen and the entire joint defense forces. We are pleased to present GlobalEye as the world’s most advanced AEW&C platform,” Johansson adds.
The proposal also includes the necessary equipment and related services required for system operation through an extensive industrial cooperation program aimed at building national capabilities in Finland for Security of Supply. This encompasses transferring maintenance, repair, and overhaul capabilities, parts production, along with final assembly of engines and aircraft to the local industry. Saab will also set up a Gripen & GlobalEye System Centre in Finland to ensure autonomous operations and ongoing capability enhancement of the systems until 2060.
According to the client’s timeline, a procurement decision is anticipated by late 2021.
Finland represents a significant market for Saab. The company possesses a rich history in the nation and continually expands its operations while forming partnerships within the local industry and academia. Recently, Saab has initiated extensive research collaborations with Aalto University, established a Technology Centre in Tampere employing over 50 engineers, and fostered significant cooperation with the research institute VTT and several Finnish defense firms.
