Saab ponders used fighter market in wake of Croatia decision

With Croatia recently opting for used Rafale F3-R’s in its fighter replacement programme, officials at Swedish defence manufacturer Saab have highlighted a perceived competitive difficulty when pitching new-build platforms against secondhand alternatives. Competition for the programme included new-build F-16 C/D Block 70 aircraft from the US, while Sweden put forward Saab’s Gripen C/D. Israel meanwhile offered used F-16 C/D Block 30 fighters in service with the Israeli Air Force, with France putting up used Rafale F3-R’s in service with the