Robert Hewson, vice-president and head of communications for Saab Asia Pacific Co Ltd, maker of the Jas-39 Gripen E fighter planes, was quite optimistic about winning the India contract for single-engine, medium-range aircraft. While declining to put any figures or a timeline to the deal that is yet to be finalised by the Indian government, Hewson stressed Saab’s ability to combine all its skills and capabilities to meet India’s long-term needs.
Following are excerpts from Hewson’s interaction with Gulf News:
GULF NEWS: How do you rate the Gripen E in comparison with the F-16 Block 70?
ROBERT HEWSON: Air forces need, and must have, a future-proof aircraft. Gripen E is the future of fighter capability. Gripen E is the most modern combat aircraft programme anywhere in the world. Saab’s design philosophy focuses on continuous development, which means that future capabilities can be added to India’s aircraft by Indian engineers in a smooth and effective process for many decades to come. We are planning for the systems and capabilities that will be demanded in 10, 20, 30 years and more from now.
With Lockheed Martin having already entered into a JV with an Indian company, do you intend to do something similar?
Saab has been ‘making in India’ on a variety of programmes for more than 40 years now and we have an established track record of working with a range of Indian companies. With a project the size of ‘Gripen for India’, we expect to build long-term partnerships with Indian companies and work with Indian companies on many other projects too.
How do you hope to beat competition for the single-engine dogfight in the Indian skies?
Saab does not see India as an outsourced manufacturer.With Saab, India will become a creative hub for future fighter technology that is Made in India, by India, for India.
What is the likely value of the deal for the manufacture of 200 of these planes (Gripen E) for India?
The value of the deal will be dictated by the number of aircraft involved, the timescale and the industrial programme to support this new capability for India. It will be a significant investment but the return on that investment will be transformational for India.
Is there a timeline for this project? When do you think you can begin manufacture, should Saab win the contract?
We are awaiting the decisions and instructions of the Indian government – we are ready to deliver whatever is required.
