Saab hopeful of bagging India's order for Gripen E fighter

Swedish defence major Saab on Tuesday exuded confidence of winning an order from India for its single-engine fighter jet Gripen-E, saying it offers a roadmap for affordable air power among many other factors.

Saab was the only company in the world which has the potential of upgrading the fighter jet and believed India wants Gripen-like aircraft, its Vice-President (Industrial Partnerships Business Area Aeronautics) Mats Palmberg told reporters here.

"We are confident that we would be able to win order from the Indian government for Gripen E as it offers a roadmap for affordable air power, which sets it apart from any competitor," Palmberg, who is here in connection with the Aero India show beginning Wednesday, said.

Besides Saab, US defence major Lockheed Martin has emerged as a major contender for the multi-billion dollar contract to supply a fleet of the single engine combat aircraft to Indian Air Force.

In September, 2017 Saab and the Adani Group had announced a ...