Production of components for the JAS-39 Gripen

Published: 6/7/2000

On 3rd June 2000 PZL Mielec and Saab signed a contract for the production of components for the JAS-39 Gripen, making Mielec the sole supplier of those components for all Gripens. The deal covers 17 sets of 11 machined parts a year. The Saab commitment follows those made by its owner Investor in Poland. The unannounced value of the contract is not thought to be significant, but Mielec feel that it develops relationships between the two producers. The partner in the JAS-39 programme, BAe Systems, confirmed that this collaboration would be developed along with the business already underway with the producer involving the production of components for the Hawk, Eurofighters and Nimrods. BAe, who has cooperated with the Polish producer over the last two years under a contract signed in November of 1998,and Saab have also reassured Mielec that the business relationship is not predicated on a successful Gripen bid for the 60 aircraft Polish multi-role fighter tender. For Mielec, international contracts, led by Saab and BAE, now constitute 20% of the company's turnover.

Article ID: 1848