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# The Global Intelligence Files

On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.

## Re: Research Request - Europe/MIL - Fighter Jet Market

Released on 2012-02-27 01:00 GMT

Email-ID | 1009309
Date | 2009-09-30 21:39:12
From | matthew.powers@stratfor.com
To | researchers@stratfor.com

Here is my summary of Gripen and its place in Saab. More information is
in the attached document.
Military aeronautics sales account for 9,183 million Swedish Kroners
(about 1.3 billion dollars), or about 38% of Saab's total business, and
Gripen fighters are the core of this. Gripen has sold a total of about 50
aircraft overseas since it started production in the mid 90's. The
company has made a big push for large sales in Brazil and India, and
without one or both of these contracts coming through it seems unlikely
that Gripen will continue as a major player past 2012. The Gripen NG is
the newest model, and has yet to find a buyer. The JSF and Eurofighter
have too much of the market claimed between them, and the natural clients
for the Gripen fighters, second-tier powers looking to upgrade their air
capabilities, are mostly facing financial constraints. When Norway and the
Netherlands chose the JSF in the last year it was a big blow to Gripen.
The following Bloomberg article is an excellent summary of their problems:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=conewsstory&tkr=BA:US&sid=a48CogGIxMy0
Marko Papic wrote:
Yeah... the "born of jets" is just a tag line ;)
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nate Hughes" <hughes@stratfor.com>
To: "Marko Papic" <marko.papic@stratfor.com>
Cc: "Kristen Cooper" <kristen.cooper@stratfor.com>, "Rami Naser"
<rami.naser@stratfor.com>, "Matthew Powers"
<matthew.powers@stratfor.com>, "Antonia Colibasanu"
<colibasanu@stratfor.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:56:43 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada
Central
Subject: Re: Research Request - Europe/MIL - Fighter Jet Market
heh. then we need a first look at Saab the corporate entity. Ignore any
news about the automotive arm.
Marko Papic wrote:
Saab has not owned the car wing since 1990.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Nate Hughes" <hughes@stratfor.com>
To: "Marko Papic" <marko.papic@stratfor.com>
Cc: "Kristen Cooper" <kristen.cooper@stratfor.com>, "Rami Naser"
<rami.naser@stratfor.com>, "Matthew Powers"
<matthew.powers@stratfor.com>, "Antonia Colibasanu"
<colibasanu@stratfor.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:45:38 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada
Central
Subject: Re: Research Request - Europe/MIL - Fighter Jet Market
Let's take a closer look at Saab as a corporate entity. Did GM just
own the Saab car brand/the automotive arm of Saab? Saab's automotive
troubles are just one element of Saab as an industrial entity, just
like the Gripen is. Let's map it out and get a sense of the
overarching corporate status of Saab as an entity.
Marko Papic wrote:
Thanks guys... I will hit you up with questions if I have them.
I am going to do the piece on Gripen then, probably for tmrw.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kristen Cooper" <kristen.cooper@stratfor.com>
To: "Nate Hughes" <hughes@stratfor.com>
Cc: "Marko Papic" <marko.papic@stratfor.com>, "Rami Naser"
<rami.naser@stratfor.com>, "Matthew Powers"
<matthew.powers@stratfor.com>, "Antonia Colibasanu"
<colibasanu@stratfor.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2009 1:09:38 PM GMT -06:00 US/Canada
Central
Subject: Re: Research Request - Europe/MIL - Fighter Jet Market
nate and marko - attached and below is the research on the first
tranche of questions. Much thanks to Antonia, Matthew and Rami for
helping pull info on this.
Matthew is currently looking into the specifics of each company as
requested in the second part of the research and Rami is taking the
more detailed look into the global fighter jet market.
hit me up with any questions - kristen
Contents
i. Details of proposed price, technology transfer and indigenous
production
a. France - Dassault Aviationn SA's (AM.FR)
b. US - Boeing Co. (BA) F-18
c. Sweden - Saab Gripen NG
ii. Saab's economic situation
iii. Gripen sales and tenders
a. Gripen NG tenders
b. Gripens in service
Brazil's Embraer is looking to purchase 36 fighter planes under the
country's proposed FX-2 program.
i. Three Potential Deals:
a. France - Dassault Aviationn SA's (AM.FR)
o Deal for 36 Rafale fighters
o est. pricing ranges from $82 to $130 million price per unit (not
including weapons and support)
o ~$4 to 7 billion for aircraft sales alone - est. $10
billion in total sale
o Sept. 10 - a Brazilian official speaking to AFP on condition of
anonymity said Sarkozy wrote to da Silva promising "unrestricted
access to technology" in the Dassault offer - this statement
prompted issuing of similar statements by both US and Saab
representatives
o Sept. 29 - According to statement by Embraer's VP, Rafales deal
woud be for "flight-ready planes" (limiting local industry
participation)
Rafale Fighter Deal:
o Sept. 8 - France has struck a landmark outline accord to sell 36
Rafale fighters for between four and seven billion dollars to
Brazil, potentially the first foreign customer for the expensive
jet, officials said.
o A Dassault spokesman said the company hopes to finalize the sale
in 2010
o Throughout its tender process, Brazil has emphasized that full
technology-sharing took priority over cost.
French-Brazil Strategic Relationship:
o Lula said that his country wanted closer military ties with
France. "We are definitively consolidating a strategic
partnership we started in 2005," Lula said in a joint news
conference with Sarkozy in Brasilia.
o The deal adds to 10 billion dollars' worth of agreements Brazil
has already struck with France to buy five submarines (one to be
converted to nuclear power) and 50 military transport
helicopters.
o Brazil's only aircraft carrier is a mothballed vessel bought
from France in 2000.
o France is also to buy about 10 military transport aircraft
Brazil's air force plans to build with Embraer, the national
aircraft manufacturer.
o The military transport planes that Brazil is selling, the
KC-390, are designed to carry lighter loads than the delayed
Airbus A400 heavy military transport plane France is committed
to.
French Company:
o France would back Dassault Aviation's bid for the contract to
build 36 fighter planes for Brazil's air force, the official
said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of palace
rules.
o The deal would be key for Dassault, which has not yet had a
foreign buyer for its Rafale.
o The Rafale is one of three planes in competition for the
Brazilian contract, along with Chicago-based Boeing's F-18 Super
Hornet and Saab's Gripen NG.
o French daily Le Monde, which participated in the interview,
quoted the Brazilian leader as suggesting the French bid had a
"comparative advantage" over those of its rivals.
Brazil's Request:
o Brazil's air force has not given a price tag for the 36 jets,
which it hopes to have delivered by 2014. The total number of
jets ordered could also increase up to 100.
o Agencia Estado news service said it could be between $2.2
billion and $2.5billion.
b. US - Boeing Co. (BA) F-18
o Aug. 10 - Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notifies
Congress of potential sale to Government of Brazil including:
. 28 F/A-18E Super Hornet Aircraft
. 8 F/A-18F Super Hornet Aircraft
. 72 F414-GE-400 installed engines
. host of spare parts and munitions
Estimated value of total sale = $7 billion
~ $90 million per unit for the F/A-18s
o Sept. 9 - US Embassy in Brazil issues statement:
o US govt. has issued a final approval on transfer of "all
necessary and advanced technologies associated with the U.S.
Government's offer of the F/A-18 Super Hornet"
o "Boeing's multi-billion dollar offset package to be invested
directly into the Brazilian aerospace industry will transfer
technology related to military design and production, provide
autonomy in key areas of program support, and develop a broad
Brazilian aerospace industry beyond just fighter aircraft,
through direct involvement with the world's largest aerospace
company."
*Note: the US government's notification to Congress of a possible
sale to Brazil of F-18s states that "offsets agreements associated
with this proposed sale are expected," it does not mention either
advanced technology transfer or local assembly, as claimed in the
statement made by the US Embassy in Brazil.
c. Sweden - Saab Gripen NG
o Tender for 36 Gripen NGs
~ $60 million per unit
o Sept. 29 - According to a statement from Embraer's VP, Saab is
offering a "pre-production deal giving Brazil opportunity to
develop from scratch-knowledge of the plane" - and that the NGs
would have "important locally produced components" - and the
development of the jet would bring "important technological
benefits"
From Saab's NG tender proposal to Brazil -
- Transfer of Technology
The Transfer of Technology (ToT) programme will guarantee full
involvement in future capability development and maximize Brazilian
industrial autonomy through the transfer of unique and highly
advanced competencies.
The ToT will include:
o Design, development and integration of hardware, avionics,
software and systems on the Gripen NG
o Transfer of Advanced Technologies and key High-Tech competencies
for example Sensor Fusion, Low-Observability (LO) and Stealth.
Saab guarantees unrivalled access to all levels of technology,
including full access to Gripen NG source codes.
- Offset
The proposal will deliver Offset equal to the contract value. The
Offset programme will transfer unique and advanced technologies and
know-how to appropriate Brazilian industrial and institutional
parties with the objective of developing national capabilities.
- Support solution
The logistics concept is designed to meet the requirements of
the Brazilian Air Force and makes maximum usage of existing
Brazilian infrastructure.
The training programme utilizes the existing infra-structure
together with synthetic training aids and the Gripen system in order
to maximize the training benefit.
- Partnership
COMAER and Brazilian industry would become partners with the Swedish
Air Force and Saab in the design, development and integration of
future technology programmes for the Gripen NG.
Early Brazilian involvement in the Gripen NG design and development
will give the Brazilian Air Force and industry unrivalled access to
all levels of technology now and for the future.
*Note: According to a recent interview with Jane's analyst, Craig
Cafferty -
"While Saab could offer good industrial participation and
technology, "some of the key components included in the Gripen NG
such as the engine and AESA radar are not made by Saab or a Swedish
company thereby making full technology transfer impossible."
The Gripen's engine is made by US company General Electric, and
therefore subject to US export controls, while the advanced
active-array, multi-targeting radar is made by Italian firm Selex."
ii. Saab's economic situation
1. Saab - Gripen history (not nec related, but just in case you
need it) - see here:
http://www.gripen.com/en/GripenFighter/TheGripenFighter.htm
2. Saab problems starting in 2008: GM decided to sell Saab this
year due to financial problems. They are still in talks and there is
certain that there is pressure on the future of Saab... with all
that it can mean for its financial stability. The Swedish government
has announced (Jan. 2009) plans to provide up to $3.19 billion in
credit guarantees and emergency loans to Saab and Volvo, which Ford
Motor Co. put up for sale last month in a bid to raise additional
funds. (http://www.thelocal.se/16808/20090109/) That's all I could
find on the guarantees part.
Last details on the deal:
o The buy-out of Saab Automobile by the Koenigsegg Group hangs in
the balance after co-owner Baard Eker states the company could
withdraw if business is not concluded in the next few days.
According to an article in business daily Dagens Industri the
deal is at risk of caving in. "If things aren't in place by
September 30, then we are out," Eker told Norwegian newspaper
Dagens Naeringsliv. They include negotiations with the European
Investment Bank (EIB) over a loan of around four billion Swedish
crowns as well as discussions with Sweden's National Debt Office
(Riksga:lden) to secure the EIB loan. Saab intend to use the
money to develop new technology in the areas of environment and
security. - http://www.thelocal.se/22312/20090926/
o GM has agreed to put money in to assure it gets rid of Saab -
http://www.thelocal.se/22098/20090915/
o In August GM talked about the sale to Koenigsegg Group. But the
problem is that Koenigsegg must prepare for 4 billion kronor or
500 million dollars to take over. The report says that Beijing
Automotive Industry Holdings, BAIC has written a letter of
memorandum with Koenigsegg to become a small owner with capital.
http://english.people.com.cn/90001/90776/90884/6755109.html
Figures:
With the collapse of the auto market, it has become a particularly
weak division, selling less than 94,000 cars in 2008, down from a
peak of 133,000 in 2006.
http://gm-volt.com/2009/02/20/saab-becomes-independent-from-gm-and-declares-bankruptcy/
Under GM's stewardship, Saab rarely posted a profit and last year
lost 3.0 billion kronor ($496.9 million at the time).
Saab's financial woes eased a bit Jan. 17 when a Swedish court
approved an application to write down 75 percent of the automaker's
debts -- previously some 10 billion kronor.
http://www.asiaone.com/Motoring/News/Story/A1Story20090618-149231.html
Nice talk on how sweet Saab is if it gets the deal:
"The Swedish government and the Saab motor company are 100 percent
committed to making the technology transfer," Swedish State
Secretary for Defense Haakan Jevrell said at a press conference,
accompanied by a Saab representative.
(http://www.thelocal.se/22150/20090918/)
iii. Gripen NG Sales
a. It appears that no nation has purchased the Gripen NG model since
Saab began trying to make sales in 2008.
:
As of early 2009, Saab claims to have Gripen tenders for:
- Denmark
- India
- Romania
- Brazil
- Switzerland
In addition, Saab has responded to requests for information from
Bulgaria, Croatia, and the Netherlands.
The Gripen NG was being considered by the Netherlands and Norway,
but these nations have elected to go with the JSF.
Denmark is still considering an offer for the Gripen NG.
Gripen NG's are being considered for a huge purchase by the Indian
airforce (100+ aircraft), but no decision is likely for some time.
Brazil is the only other country that is currently considering the
NG.
a. Gripens currently in service:
Gripen is in service with the Swedish, Czech Republic, Hungarian and
South African Air Forces and has also been ordered by Thailand. The
UK Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) is also operating Gripen as its
advanced fast jet platform for test pilots worldwide.
o Gripen was declared operational in the Swedish Air Force in
1997, and 204 aircraft, including 28 two seaters, have been
delivered.
o Gripen is in full operational service with the Czech Republic
Air Force, which has taken delivery of all of its 14 aircraft
(12 single-seat and 2 two-seaters) to meet its national,
European and NATO defence needs.
o Gripen is also in full operational service with the Hungarian
Air Force, which has taken delivery of all of its 14 aircraft
(12 single-seat and 2 two-seaters) to meet its national,
European and NATO needs.
o South Africa, Gripen's first export customer, has ordered a
fleet of 26 aircraft (9 two-seat and 17 single seat aircraft) to
replace its existing front-line aircraft. Deliveries started in
2008 and will be completed by 2012.
o The United Kingdom's (UK) Empire Test Pilots' School (ETPS) is
also operating Gripen as its advanced fast jet platform for test
pilots worldwide.
o In October 2007, the government of Thailand approved the
procurement of Gripen fighters to replace the Royal Thai Air
Force's ageing F-5 fleet, and in February 2008 Thailand and
Sweden signed contracts for the supply of the initial six Gripen
aircraft for the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) with aircraft
delivered during 2011.
Sources:
Gripen NG for Brazil
Gripen offers Brazil a complete solution. Gripen NG is the world's
most technologically advanced multi-role fighter aircraft with built
in Net centric warfare (NCW) technologies and capabilities developed
specifically for Brazil.
The Gripen NG for Brazil in short:
o A powerful and proven engine
o AESA radar
o Advanced Communication systems
o Tactical Data Link
o Supercruise
o Advanced Electronic warfare
o Strategic reach
o Advanced Weapons Capacity
Why Brazil should choose Gripen
o Gripen NG is the world's most technologically advanced
multi-role fighter aircraft with built in Net centric warfare
(NCW) technologies and capabilities developed specifically for
Brazil.
o Gripen will meet or exceed every operational requirement raised
by the Brazilian Air Force in all roles - Air to Air Fighter
BVR/WVR, Air to Surface land and sea, and recce.
o Gripen will provide exceptional autonomous multi and swing role
capability in normal and hostile FOB operations, and act as a
perfect force multiplier.
o Gripen will, over life, have a substantially lower real Life
Cycle Cost than its nearest single engined competitor, and is
able to operate at a fraction of the cost of its twin engined
competitors.
o Gripen NG is the only option for Brazil delivering next
generation technical and military capabilities.
o Gripen NG will allow Brazil to become a significant partner in
the development programme and become a platform for future
technology programmes.
o In combination with the Industrial Cooperation program, Gripen's
program for FAB, Brazilian Defence and industrial establishment
will make Brazil by 2020 completely independent of the need to
purchase combat aircraft from other countries and make it an
exporter of aircraft like Sweden.
Operational capability
As a Next Generation multi-role fighter Gripen NG has the
operational range, payload and built-in Net Centric Warfare (NCW)
capability to meet all the roles as defined by the Brazilian Air
Force; both national and regional expeditionary. Brazil's NCW
capability will be significantly enhanced by operating the Gripen NG
in combination with the Embraer E-99 ERIEYE system.
Advanced Weapons System
Gripen NG has a fully integrated sensor suite with total weapon
flexibility and is able to carry weapons sourced from suppliers
worldwide. Survivability is assured through a balance between low
radar, Infra-Red and visible signatures and a highly advanced
modular Electronic Warfare and Self-Protection system.
Support solution
The logistics concept is designed to meet the requirements of
the Brazilian Air Force and makes maximum usage of existing
Brazilian infrastructure.
The training programme utilizes the existing infra-structure
together with synthetic training aids and the Gripen system in order
to maximize the training benefit.
Partnership
COMAER and Brazilian industry would become partners with the Swedish
Air Force and Saab in the design, development and integration of
future technology programmes for the Gripen NG.
Early Brazilian involvement in the Gripen NG design and development
will give the Brazilian Air Force and industry unrivalled access to
all levels of technology now and for the future.
Offset
The proposal will deliver Offset equal to the contract value. The
Offset programme will transfer unique and advanced technologies and
know-how to appropriate Brazilian industrial and institutional
parties with the objective of developing national capabilities.
Production and Maintenance
The commitment to Brazilian aerospace includes the option for
manufacturing of Gripen NG parts and assemblies and Gripen NG Final
assembly in Brazil.
The maintenance concept is tailored to meet the requirements and
capabilities of the Brazilian Industry and the FAB through:
o Establishment of a Gripen NG maintenance centre in
Brazil ensuring national autonomy
o Extensive usage of existing Brazilian infra-structure securing
cost savings and ensuring commonality
Transfer of Technology
The Transfer of Technology (ToT) programme will guarantee full
involvement in future capability development and maximize Brazilian
industrial autonomy through the transfer of unique and highly
advanced competencies.
The ToT will include:
o Design, development and integration of hardware, avionics,
software and systems on the Gripen NG
o Transfer of Advanced Technologies and key High-Tech competencies
for example Sensor Fusion, Low-Observability (LO) and Stealth.
Saab guarantees unrivalled access to all levels of technology,
including full access to Gripen NG source codes.
Continued Enhancement
Gripen Next Generation (NG) is a considerably enhanced version of
the already proven and in-service Gripen C/D multi-role fighter.
Designed for combat in the 21st Century Net Centric Warfare (NCW)
environment Gripen's flexible and modular design makes continuous
development and enhancement both low risk and cost effective. The
Gripen NG programme covers development of all major sensors and
avionics including data communication, self-protection systems,
weapons integration, as well as airframe and propulsion
enhancements.
Continued Growth
Gripen NG is a 'low risk' platform with a funded ongoing development
programme and guaranteed enhancements. The Gripen NG has substantial
growth capability which will ensure that Gripen NG meets all future
requirements.
US Deal
Brazil - F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft
(Source: US Defense Security Cooperation Agency; dated Aug. 6,
web-posted Aug. 10, 2009)
WASHINGTON --- Today the Defense Security Cooperation Agency
(DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the
Government of Brazil of 28 F/A-18E Super Hornet Aircraft, eight
F/A-18F Super Hornet Aircraft, 72 F414-GE-400 installed engines, a
host of spare parts and munitions at an estimated value of $7.0
billion.
The Government of Brazil has requested proposals from several
foreign suppliers, including the United States, to provide the next
generation fighter for the Brazilian Air Force. In this "FX-2"
competition, the Government of Brazil has yet to select the United
States Navy-Boeing proposal.
This notification is being made in advance of receipt of a letter of
request so that, in the event that the US Navy-Boeing proposal is
selected, the United States might move as quickly as possible to
implement the sale.
If the Government of Brazil selects the U.S. Navy-Boeing proposal,
the Government of Brazil will request a possible sale of:
-- 28 F/A-18E Super Hornet Aircraft,
-- eight F/A-18F Super Hornet Aircraft,
-- 72 F414-GE-400 installed engines,
-- four F414-GE-400 spare engines,
-- 36 AN/APG-79 Radar Systems,
-- 36 M61A2 20mm Gun Systems,
-- 36 AN/ALR-67(V) three Radar Warning Receivers,
-- 144 LAU-127 Launchers,
-- 44 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS),
-- 28 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM),
-- 28 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missiles,
-- 60 GBU-31/32 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM),
-- 36 AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW),
-- 10 AGM-88B HARM Missiles, and
-- 36 AN/ASQ-228 (V2) Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared
(ATFLIR) Pods.
Also included are 36 AN/ALQ-214 Radio Frequency Countermeasures. 40
AN/ALE-47 Electronic Warfare Countermeasures Systems, 112 AN/ALE-50
Towed Decoys, Joint Mission Planning System, support equipment,
spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment,
ferry and tanker support, flight test, software support,
publications and technical documents, U.S. Government and contractor
engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other
related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and
national security of the United States by helping to improve the
security of a friendly country that has been, and continues to be,
an important force for political stability and economic progress in
South America.
Brazil needs these aircraft to meet current and future threats. The
proposed sale of F/A-18E/F aircraft will enhance Brazil's tactical
aviation capabilities. An increase in capability will be accrued
primarily due to the larger number of aircraft and the larger range
and endurance of the F/A-18E/F. Brazil will have no difficulty
absorbing these aircraft into its aircraft inventory. The proposed
sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military
balance in the region.
The principal contractors will be:
--The Boeing Company St. Louis, Mo.
--General Electric Aircraft Engines Lynn, Mass.
--Northrop Grumman Corporation El Segundo, Calif.
--Raytheon Corporation El Segundo, Calif.
--Lockheed Martin Bethesda, Md.
Offsets agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected;
however, specific agreements are undetermined and will be defined
during negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.
Implementation of this sale will require approximately eight
contractor representatives to provide technical and logistics
support in Brazil for two years. U.S. Government and contractor
representatives will also participate in program management and
technical reviews for one-week intervals twice semi-annually.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a
result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean
the sale has been concluded.
-ends-
Nate Hughes wrote:
Rami can take the lead on this, but we've got a few things on his
plate today and Marko was hoping to get this rolling ASAP. The
priority is the first tranche of questions for the initial Gripen
piece.
First, for the Gripen piece:
* A clear understanding of the three offerings before Brazil:
* What has each offered specifically in terms of price,
tech transfer and indigenous assembly/production (not all
may be available, but we need to know what's out there --
particularly the price drop of the Gripen and price point
of the Rafale)
* Just how dire/desperate is Saab? Are they trying to secure the
deal in order to secure the deal? Or are they in more dire
straits than that?
* Any other takers for the NG? Even follow-on orders or for
upgrades?
* What has Saab managed to sell of the Gripen NGs thus far?
Overall:
* A careful look at each company in turn. Obviously we're
starting with Saab. Dassault next, since I think the Rafale
may be in worse shape than the Gripen. Eurofighter is the most
coherent of the three at this point, I believe. For each:
* brief history of genesis of the program, and the business
case for it -- how many was each intending to sell to the
primary customer and how many were intended to be sold
abroad?
* In particular, what was the scheme and why did it fail?
For example, the Gripen was specifically designed as a
low cost, and low-life cycle-cost alternative to the
other designs on the market. Supposed to be a solid
plane. Certainly not competing directly with the Joint
Strike Fighter. What gives?
* Let's get a key sense of exactly where each fighter was
supposed to be sold... country by country. Marko can then
quickly lay out the macroeconomics of why country X or Y
could no longer afford this or that fighter.
* Key export agreements/failures to secure them. Timeline
for each. (I want to be careful about correlation of the
Iraq war with the sales of the Gripen. Even if they
correlate, that doesn't mean causation necessarily. Let's
get dates but also look at the production schedule for
the Gripen)
* Might be good to get a bit of a sense of the evolution of the
global fighter jet market as a whole, so we can fit European
efforts in with American and Russian efforts.
* Can we get a sense of all NEW Jet Fighter orders from 2000
onwards? I am making 2000 up as arbitrary number... but it
would be good to get a really detailed excel worksheet going
with ALL fighter jet sales. Let's concentrate first on NEW
fighters, not repurchased, since that will make things easier
and we can decide if we need repurchased later. There has to
be a study out there on this.
* Let's see if we can't dig up some analysis of this situation.
We're not the first to contemplate this. What are industry
rags and European circles saying about it?
--
Nathan Hughes
Director of Military Analysis
STRATFOR
512.744.4300 ext. 4097
nathan.hughes@stratfor.com
--
Kristen Cooper
Researcher
STRATFOR
www.stratfor.com
512.744.4093 - office
512.619.9414 - cell
kristen.cooper@stratfor.com
--
Matthew Powers
STRATFOR Intern
Matthew.Powers@stratfor.com
--
Matthew Powers
STRATFOR Intern
Matthew.Powers@stratfor.com

### Attached Files

# | Filename | Size
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97774 | 97774_Gripen Company Summary.doc | 158.5KiB