However, Saab is convinced that the offer made by the Swedish government for the 12 new Gripen C/D aircraft, which includes delivery within 2 years, a full logistic support package and training for Croatian Air Force pilots and technicians, as well as a tailor-made strategic cooperation package to be delivered by Saab, would meet and even exceed all the needs of the Croatian Air Force.
“We believe that our proposal is very comprehensive and highly beneficial in many aspects for Croatia and the Croatian Air Force. Gripen is the first of the new generation fighters in operational service, it is a fully NATO interoperable fighter, includes the latest technology and our offer was for new aircraft together with rapid deliveries. We have a strong customer base and a roadmap to keep Gripen technologically and operationally relevant into the 2060s.
Procuring and operating new Gripen does not raise any additional costs often associated with used aircraft, and we can confirm that the Gripen offer transparently provided a total inclusion of all costs. The proposal also included a very attractive financial scheme for Croatia, which would enable re-payment over a long period of time, in combination with an initial “grace” period between 2023 and 2025.
Such financing solutions would be delivered through the Swedish government and not through commercial banks, thus leading to exceptionally favourable financial terms.
Partnering with Sweden and Saab would also have brought much more benefits for Croatia. Such an example is a Regional Aeronautical & Support Centre which would develop long-term cooperation with the local defence industry as well as the academic sector, generating some 500 high-tech, local jobs. We will continue to monitor and follow the process” stated Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice-President and Head of Business Area Aeronautics.
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