Saab’s office in New Delhi was officially opened on January 27. The office will support Saab in its efforts to market products for defence and civil security in the Indian market.

The office in New Delhi was inaugurated by Anders Sjöberg, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Sweden, and Mats Warstedt, Group Senior Vice President, Marketing, at Saab.

Saab’s commitment to India is to provide our cutting edge technologies across air, land and sea, indigenised and optimised for the local environment.

Gripen, the most advanced fighter aircraft in its category, is also one of the contenders for the Indian Air Forces MMRCA program. Gripen is the world’s most technologically advanced multi-role fighter aircraft with futuristic warfare technologies.

“For Saab, India is a key market where the company is making long term commitments. We are offering our high tech portfolio to the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. We will be further enhancing our presence to ensure full support to our customers. Saab is actively looking for long-term cooperation with Indian Government and Private Industries”, said Jan Widerström, Vice President, Saab International.

Serial production of IDAS for India

Saab has also recently received two serial production orders for the Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) for the Indian Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. The combined value of these orders from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is approximately USD 24 million.

These two production orders follow initial orders for development and prototype deliveries as well as the first series production order received in 2008 for the Indian Dhruv helicopter. IDAS is the world’s most comprehensive integrated Electronic Warfare suite for airborne platforms.

Focus on industrial co-operation

Saab’s is also endeavouring to reduce manufacturing and production costs by developing, designing and manufacturing state-of-the-art defence and civil security systems in India. To that end, India will become a key manufacturing hub for Saab in the near future and the company is in advanced discussions with a number of Indian companies in the public and private sector.

“The goal is to make use of the great knowledge and resource bank available in the country. We plan to offer a first class life cycle support, through our local partners and cut costs for our global market”, according to Jan Widerström.

Source: SAAB