Gripen in the race for future fighter replacement in Norway

Gripen International has received an invitation from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence to discuss a model for cooperation related to a possible replacement of the Norwegian F-16 fighter aircraft. The discussions will start early in 2007.

An enhanced standard of the Gripen new generation fighter, dubbed Gripen N, has been offered as an answer to a formal Request for Information earlier in 2006. The offer, backed by the Swedish Government, also includes Industrial co-operation and development on several levels.

"We are looking forward to the opportunity to co-operate more closely with Norway so that in partnership we can pursue the best possible solution", says Gripen International Campaign Director Norway Hans Rosén as a comment to the invitation. "We have already had very good and interesting discussions with the Government, representatives from political parties, the Armed Forces and Norwegian industry and we are really pleased to have the opportunity to take it one step further. It's an important step in the aim to put us on equal terms with other competitors."