Saab has signed a Memorandum of Understandings regarding industrial cooperation with Rheinmetall Schweiz AG and Pilatus Aircraft. Both agreements are connected to a possible Swiss acquisition of the Gripen fighter aircraft.

The agreement between Saab and Pilatus regards future cooperation in the aviation area and is the result of discussions initiated as part of industrial cooperation activities in the event Switzerland should decide to buy Gripen fighter aircraft to replace its F-5E/F Tiger.

The agreement opens up for increased cooperation and possible joint programs in several technology areas, such as design and manufacturing of aircraft components, development of composite structures, systems integration and software development for both military and civil aircraft types.

"Saab and Pilatus are two world leading companies in aircraft manufacturing. This MoU could lead to further cooperation in the future between Gripen and the training aircraft PC-21", says Åke Svensson, CEO Saab.

Saab and Rheinmetall Schweiz AG have agreed to evaluate a number of areas of potential industrial cooperation within defence and civil security.

Saabs CEO Åke Svensson is very pleased with the far reaching agreement with Rheinmetall: "Rheinmetall will become one of the key partners with the right competence to support Saab to carry out offset obligations within a Gripen contract for Switzerland."