Looks a bit like an overgrown golf ball!

If I remember correctly, this was discussed before, and I think the outcome was that Saab had not ruled out a new engine, but since there was no perceived demand, had not done the design work. I suspect they could switch the RM-12 for either an F-414 or EJ-2X0 engine (the EJ200 is the Typhoons current engine, but the EJ220 is the increased thrust version that should become available in the next few years). If fitted with one of those engines, the Gripen-N could prove to be a better prospect.

I wonder how the build quality would compare to the ‘commercial build’ military ships like the Absalon – I hear they have had some problems with quality control as well. As long as the ship does not have structural flaws, then I suspect the Indian navy are okay with a few rough edges.

If combined with a few cheap tankers, they would probably make for a very potent small airforce. The major question will be how much the development will cost, and how many airframes it will be amortised over.

A combined order from Norway and Denmark would make some sense – ~40 for Denmark, and a further ~60-80 for Norway. That would certainly help Saab, especially if they can get a few more customers to buy up the used JAS-39As.

It is a bit surprising that the Aradu would make it all the way up there – for years it could barely make it out of harbour. There were reports of poor maintenance, and even worse crew training, with a number of cases of audio parking…

From what I had heard, the hot money was on three –

-AH-1
-A-129 Mangusta
-Ka52 with Israeli avionics

I had never heard of the Rooivalk being a front runner.

Pity the poor radar operators on other boats! That slab sided superstructure must make a Panamax look stealthy!