South Africa`s Avitronics, a member of the Grintek group, has been contracted by Sweden`s Ericsson Saab Avionics to develop and manufacture electronic sub-systems for the Saab-British Aerospace Gripen fighter.
The agreement will see Avitronics develop and manufacture a new power unit for the Gripen`s display system supplied by Ericsson Saab Avionics.
The initial phase of the contract is for Avitronics to develop and produce units for the Swedish Air Force`s next batch of 64 Gripens, with first delivery in 2003. The value of this initial phase exceeds R6,2 million.
The long-term intention is that Avitronics` components will also equip all future Gripens produced for the international market. Gripen has been selected by the South African government as the preferred advanced fighter to equip the South African Air Force.
"We selected Avitronics from a number of international suppliers. Apart from meeting our high requirements, we also believe Avitronics will be a suitable partner for a long relationship," says Björn Erman, president of Ericsson Saab Avionics.
"This contract confirms that we are successfully internationalising our business by building on our areas of excellence. We are delighted that Ericsson Saab Avionics chose us as their partner in this venture," says Ben Ash, general manager of Avitronics.
Ericsson Saab Avionics AB is a company jointly owned by Ericsson and Saab (Sweden), and the main supplier of avionics to the Gripen fourth-generation fighter. The company`s primary operations are electronic warfare, display, reconnaissance and IFF systems, advanced electronics and mechanics, and electromagnetic technology.
Gripen is the world`s first, and only, fourth-generation fighter in operational service and is marketed jointly by Saab and British Aerospace.
Avitronics is South Africa`s leading specialist in the design, development, manufacture and support of electronic warfare equipment. The company is ISO 9001 rated and has a proven reputation for manufacturing and exporting world class defence equipment. The company is part-owned by JSE-listed Grintek Ltd, active in telecommunications, defence and commercial electronics.
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