Gripen will be on the frontline, providing airspace security and protection for the planet’s biggest sporting event of the year, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, being held across South Africa from 11 June – 11 July.
South Africa’s growing fleet of state-of-the-art multi-role Gripen fighters will be deployed in air patrols over Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg, Polokwane and Nelspruit, which are hosting games.
South Africa has ordered 26 Gripen fighters, comprising nine dual-seat Gripen D and 17 single-seat Gripen C aircraft.
The South African Air Force’s Gripens are stationed at 2 Squadron, at AFB Makhado in the Limpopo province. The aircraft were successfully deployed on airspace patrol missions during last year’s FIFA Confederation Cup soccer tournament, a curtain-raiser for this year’s main event. In addition, they have also participated in peace enforcement exercises.
Gripen is designed to meet the demands of current and future threats, while at the same time meeting strict requirements for safety, reliability and training efficiency. It achieves all of these with impressively frugal operating costs.
At Gripen’s core is its ability to switch operational roles in flight. At the touch of a button, Gripen can meet the increasingly demanding multi-role conflict zone requirements.
Its weapon system lets Gripen deliver air defense and air superiority. Simultaneously, it provides formidable offensive air support, anti-ship, reconnaissance and advanced tactical training capabilities.
Gripen’s sophisticated integrated digital data sensors and systems give it the power, intelligence and agility to fight the modern and future “information warâ€.
The cockpit is designed and built around the “don’t need, don’t show†principle. It provides the pilot with all of the necessary decision support needed in complex tactical operations, but without the distraction of superfluous information.
Gripen carries all of the weapons needed to meet current operational requirements independently and in cooperation with allied forces.
Its weapon system facilitates the integration of future weapons to tomorrow¹s threats. This was highlighted earlier this year when the newly delivered IRIS-T air-to-air missile made its public debut at the South African Air Force’s 90th anniversary parade.
Source: SAAB
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