LINKOPING, Sweden, March 27 (UPI) -- The Swedish air force's Gripen C/D fighters are to receive continued maintenance and upgrades from the aircrafts' manufacturer, Saab.
Saab said the contract was issued by FMV, Sweden's Defense Materiel Administration and is worth about $18.6 million.
Under the award, Saab will provide continual maintenance and updates in line with the military's long-term planning for the Gripen system. The plan includes technical support, product maintenance, flight testing and flight simulator operation.
The activities will be carried out during the second quarter of this year, the company said.
The Gripen is a multi-role fighter with a maximum speed of 1,372 miles per hour at altitude. It has a combat radius of 500 miles and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet.
The first model entered service in 1997. In addition to Sweden, Gripens are flown by the military forces of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Thailand and South Africa.
