After an initial evaluation document reached media, the Swiss Defence
Minister Ueli Maurer called for a press conference (http://www.vbs.admin.ch/internet/vbs/de/home/documentation/news/news_detail.43408.nsb.html)
to comment on the rumors that Gripen would not meet the Swiss Air Force
requirements. Today, the Swiss defence authorities reconfirmed Gripen as
the optimal solution for Switzerland.

On 30 November 2011, the Swiss Federal Council selected the Gripen E/F
as preferred candidate to replace their present F-5 aircraft. Saab and
Sweden are now in negotiations with Switzerland, optimizing the complete
package and preparing for the acquisition of Gripen E/F.

Saab is confident that the Gripen package gives Switzerland what it
needs in all areas, particularly in terms of a fighter that delivers the
best price-to-performance ratio with a long-term and agreed development
path. Saab is committed to deliver a comprehensive Industrial Package
that delivers long-term benefits to all of society. The acquisition of
Gripen will further strengthen the partnership between Switzerland and
Sweden.

Gripen, in operational service with five air forces, is an
unquestionable capable fighter system that delivers its tasks. It is a
new generation, multi-role fighter aircraft which uses state-of-the-art
technology. It is capable of performing an extensive range of
Air-to-Air, Air-to-Surface and reconnaissance missions employing the
most modern range of weapons. Gripen has been part of NATO’s QRA (Quick
Reaction Alert) organization since 2005. The operating air forces have
participated with Gripen in several large, international exercises
(including two Red Flag exercises in the US) with very good result.

With approximately 2,000 flight hours in combat missions over Libya and
delivery of close to 40 per cent of the total need of Tactical
Reconnaissance in the NATO operation Unified Protector, Gripen is a very
capable fighter aircraft.

Saab has been an innovation powerhouse for advanced defence and security
technology for 75 years, with system knowledge and system integration as
core competencies. Today, Saab has operations in more than 30 countries,
while our solutions, products and services are sold to more than a
hundred countries. Saab reported sales of SEK 23,498 billion and an
operating margin of 12,5 per cent for the full year 2011.

Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and
solutions ranging from military defence to civil security. Saab has
operations and employees on all continents and constantly develops,
adopts and improves new technology to meet customers’ changing needs.

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