South African Gripens gain new lease-of-life with Saab support contract

Swedish aircraft and defence equipment manufacturer, Saab, has been contracted to provide maintenance services for the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) fleet of JAS 39C/D Gripen multi-role fighters, as the nation seeks to revive its long-dormant combat and defensive capabilities. The new contract was announced in a statement from Saab on September 19, in which the company said the deal covers the servicing, maintenance and repair of the SAAF’s JAS 39C/D fighters from 2022 to 2025. It adds that it