Asian Defence & Diplomacy spoke to Dan-Ake Enstedt, president and CEO of Saab Asia Pacific, about the Swedish company’s prospects in Asia. Any discussion of Saab regionally must invariably turn to Thailand, which has been a major success story for the company with its supply of JAS 39 Gripen fighters, Erieye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and ship combat management systems (CMC). Thailand has achieved a remarkably integrated network-centric asset called the Gripen Integrated Air Defence System (GIADS). Such a system is apparently the envy of neighbours like Indonesia. Saab also stresses its support for the localisation of technology transfer, and that Thailand is now operating its own proprietary national data-link system.
Enstedt pointed out that Saab holds a remarkable 50% share of the AEW&C market outside the USA. Asia accounts for about 13-14% of the company’s revenue, but Enstedt has high hopes of doubling this in coming years.
Thomas Linden, vice president and head of Saab Malaysia, highlighted the attractiveness of the Gripen to Malaysia and other regional countries. Saab can deliver aircraft more quickly than competitors and he stressed that it is very affordable. Independent figures from IHS Jane’s confirmed that the flight hour cost of a Gripen is USD4,700, which compares to $7,700 for an F-16, $11,000 for an F/A-18E/F and $16,500 for a Rafale.
An important product being promoted at the show is the Saab 340 MSA (Maritime Surveillance Aircraft). The example on static display is on a one-year international marketing tour, but Saab representatives believe its cost efficiency makes it ideal for the region.
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