SAAB eyes $ 17 billion defense and aerospace business in India

Swedish SAAB group which is pitching the Gripen IN fighter for India’s MMRCA fighter contract, is eyeing $17 billion defense and aerospace total business opportunity in India. To cater to this opportunity, SAAB opened its new office in India to help in its efforts to market products for the defence and civil security in the Indian market. Jan Widerstrom, country head & vice president, SAAB International told journalists that the company was responding to procurement opportunity in C4i, Electronic Warfare, missile and Weapons systems, radars and maritime security and civil security in addition to the MMRCA fighter tender altogether estimated at $17 billion. Widerstrom said, “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”. In recent business success in India, SAAB had 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 HAL was approximately $24 million. These two production orders follow orders for development and prototype deliveries as well as the first series production orders received earlier this year for the ALH Dhruv. The IDAS is the world’s most comprehensive integrated EW suite for airborne platforms and has been the choice of leading helicopter manufacturers all over the world. Widerstrom said that SAAB was working towards making India 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”, said Widerstrom.