First SAAF Gripen roll out

Roll-out for the first Gripen for Hungary

At a ceremony in Linköping on March 27, Saab presented the first Gripen to be delivered to South Africa. The ceremony marks the progress of a very important program for Saab. Over 100 guests gathered to take part in the ceremony. The ceremony took place in the presence of the South African Defense Minister Mr. Patrick Lekota and the Swedish Defense Minister Mrs Leni Björklund as well as representatives from the South African MOD, the South African Air Force, the South African Ambassador to Sweden. From Sweden, representatives from FMV, Saab and Gripen International were also in attendance.
The roll-out of the first South African Gripen is a significant milestone in the Gripen for South Arican program.
“For us, at Saab Aerostructures, the South African deliveries are important from many perspectives. Of course we are pleased when Saab gets export orders. This means indirectly orders for us as well. The orders might give Saab important reorders in the future and South Africa as user of the Aircraft will show other countries that Gripen is the best choice. I am sure South Africa will make good PR for us at Saab when using Gripen under NATO banner”, says Stefan Rönnmark, Program Director within Saab Aerostructures after attending the ceremony.

In his speech, the South African Defense Minister Patrick Kekota emphasized that the progress in the Gripen for South Africa program is a result of the fine collaboration between the two countries.
“I must conclude, this is a beautiful aircraft and a technological wonder. I am looking forward to next year, when this and other aircraft will land at Louis Trichardt air base”.