Sweden, Norway work on Saab deal

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, April 28 (UPI) -- Sweden has begun working out the details for the potential delivery of up to 48 Saab next-generation Gripen aircrafts to the Royal Norwegian Air Force.

Officials say after a request by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, the Swedish Defense Material Administration FMV has submitted a compliant response for binding information for the Saab Gripen fighter aircrafts. As a result of the potential deal, Sweden-based Saab has begun working out supply cooperation agreements with Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace, Norwegian Thales, Nammo, Simrad Optronics, Natech and Total-group.

The announcement of the potential delivery of the Gripen fighter aircrafts to the Royal Norwegian Air Force is part of a plan by Norway to begin renewing its aircraft fleet. Officials say the Gripen next-generation aircraft has a more powerful engine, a new modular avionics system, a greater payload and longer-range capabilities.

"We are convinced that our offer provides an historical opportunity for strong and long lasting relations between Norway and Sweden in defense and security related areas as well as a broad range of industrial sectors," Ake Svensson, Saab president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.