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LINKOPING, Sweden, April 4 (UPI) -- A new infrared sensor for integration onto Saab’s Gripen E fighters has successfully completed its first flight, the company reports. The IRST, or Infra Red Search and Track, is located in the front of the aircraft. Saab said it does not emit a signal that can be detected by others but can detect, track and identify all types of targets, including stealth aircraft.
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The sensor registers heat emissions from other aircraft, helicopters and surface targets.
“The first flight in the Gripen E test aircraft with IRST has been performed with very good results,” said Saab’s Wing Commander Flying, Hans Einerth. “Multiple targets were detected, tracked and identified and the system works perfectly as expected.
The Gripen E is the latest version of the Saab-produced Gripen aircraft, featuring an improved engine, longer range, new radar and advanced avionics.
Additional details on IRST were not provided.
In other Gripen developments, Swedish Defense Minister Karin Enstrom believes the country’s air force should have more of the aircraft than the number previously approved by parliament.
According to the newspaper Dagens Nyheter, the minister said she would like to see the procurement of 60 new Gripens increase to 70 as a result of Russia’s annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region, and because of Russian military aircraft last year conducting practice missions in Swedish air space.
"Russia's actions in and around Ukraine has led to uncertainty in Europe. What happened in the past has made it really necessary to strengthen Sweden's defense,” the minister was quoted as saying.
