Saab Unveils South African Gripen!

South African Gripen Makes its Debut

Linköping, Sweden: South Africa’s first completed Gripen fighter was unveiled today in a roll-out ceremony as it left the production line.

The aircraft, which will be the first of 28 Gripens delivered into South African Air Force service from 2008, will now be prepared for a rigorous and thorough flight test programme to integrate South Africa’s customized avionics and mission systems.

Speaking, on behalf of the South African Government, at the roll-out ceremony in Linkoping, Sweden, South Africa’s Minister for Public Enterprises, Alec Erwin, highlighted the strategic significance of South Africa’s Gripen acquisition and its role as a catalyst for broad industrial, trade and economic development in South Africa.

Sweden’s Minister of Defense, Mrs Leni Björklund, said Sweden would continue to further develop its already strong strategic political, defence, industrial and economic links between Sweden and South Africa:
“The relations between our two countries can only be described as excellent. I would like to take this opportunity to underline and manifest the Swedish Government’s desire to further develop and expand these much-appreciated relations.” Mrs. Björklund said.

Underlining this sentiment, Saab CEO, Mr. Åke Svensson, described the significance of the Gripen programme in establishing South Africa as Saab’s second home-market.
Underpinning its commitment to South Africa, Saab has invested in several businesses, including its major investment in Grintek, the South African advanced technology group.
“Saab is now a proudly South African company employing around 1.300 of the best technical and marketing brains within Saab Grintek, in which we own a 70% stake” he explained.

Chief of the South African Air Force (SAAF), Lt-Gen Carlo Gagiano, said the Gripen programme was an icon for transformation and modernisation in the SAAF and would strengthen South Africa’s contribution to peace and security in Africa. He also expressed his delight with the progress of the Gripen programme.
“In an industry notorious for sliding deadlines, Saab has been able to roll out this specific aircraft well ahead of the original schedule. I congratulate you to this achievement!” he said.

pics from the site, u can get more there
http://www.gripen.com/gripenimages.4.17aece8f9e5eefe8b7fff2528.html?searchQuery=_keywords:Basket

yeah it looks dull..but at least it retains that grey diamond back scheme rather than the same generic two tone Gripen scheme that all the other gripen operators are using