ATHENS: Sweden has positioned itself as a contender for the Greek jet fighter program by offering up its Gripen as an alternative to the French Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Boeing F-18E Super Hornet.
Greece is pursuing a two-round procurement strategy in its pursuit of a new state-of-the-art combat aircraft. The first round is to conclude this year and calls for an initial procurement of 40 aircraft with an option for a further 20. Deliveries would then take place in 2010 and 2011.
The Swedish proposal includes 30-40 new-generation, multirole Gripens built to NATO specifications, with delivery coming 24 months after the contract is signed. Sweden also is offering up an intermediate solution, whereby Gripens that are already operational are provided to Greece as a bridge until the new-build models arrive. These could be in Greek service within six months of the contract being approved.
In addition, Sweden is offering infrastructure and maintenance support for the Greek Gripens, as well as extensive industrial cooperation and technology transfer.
