Czech Republic joins F-35 ranks, inks ‘most important’ deal with US for 24 aircraft
The Czech government suggested the timing and location of the signing in Prague was affected by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's recent health issues.
Sweden commits to future fighter procurement decision in 2031: Official
A decision has not been made so far on an Initial Operating Capability (IOC) date for a future fighter, but a wide range of planning activities will inform the 2031 procurement decision, an official said.
Czech government greenlights deal for 24 F-35s
The $5 billion deal would see Prague get all 24 F-35As by 2035, while seeking to extend a lease of older Saab Gripen jets thorough that date.
Saab looks for M&A opportunities abroad, hopes Sweden’s NATO entry boosts GlobalEye chances
"I’m not going to talk about sizes [of companies under consideration] but of course we have a pipeline when it comes to important countries like the UK, US and we will also maybe look at Germany,” said Micael Johansson, CEO of Saab.
Saab predicts ‘great possibilities’ in Sweden’s NATO entry, warns of supplier ‘ecosystem’ issues
From Gripen fighters to MANPADS, the Swedish firm sees "this [period] as just the beginning of defense spending increases in Europe," said CEO and President Micael Johansson.
Sweden to investigate C-130H replacement options after ‘quotation from industry’ thrown out
Stockholm had previously planned on carrying out a mid-life upgrade to extend the life of the C-130H fleet out to 2030, before deciding on the Italian second hand aircraft plan.
Sweden struggling with supplier shortages, Gripen flight hours decline: Government report
A pilot shortage led to the Swedish Air Force recording 1,363 fewer flight hours in 2022 for its Gripen force than the previous year, raising raises serious questions about Swedish air power.
Uneasy Times In Europe As Continent Mulls Next Fighter
If the re-emergence of an assertive and occasionally belligerent Moscow was an unattractive possibility for Europeans of a cautious nature, an American president whose election campaign comments inadvertently or otherwise questioned his commitment to Article 5, the very heart of NATO, seemed unimaginable. Today, Europe is faced with both a Russia that is a strategic rival […]
Acrobatics, Big Planes (A380 & A400M) & Little Planes (Gripen & Starduster)
The F-35B isn’t flying again til Friday so you won’t see it here. Today was the first day of halfway decent weather at the biennial air show so we’ve got some pretty lovely flying and perspectives here. Enjoy!