18 May 2020

Update: Sweden launches search for new trainer aircraft

by Gareth Jennings

Sweden has formally launched the search for a new jet trainer aircraft, with a request for quotations (RFQ) announced by the FMV national procurement agency on 4 May.

The Saab 105 has been in Swedish service as the SK 60 since 1967 and is in urgent need of being replaced.

The RFQ, released on 8 April, seeks to source a replacement for the Swedish Air Force’s (SwAF’s) Saab 105 (SK 60 in national service) jet trainer aircraft that first flew in 1963 and joined the SwAF inventory in 1967.

Already announced earlier this year by SwAF chief of the JAS 39 Gripen programme, Colonel Torgny Falthammer, the trainer requirement seeks to procure new aircraft, simulators, safety equipment, and maintenance.

With government authorisation now granted for a replacement platform for the first phase of pilot training, the goal is to have the system in place at Malmen in Linkoping by the third quarter of 2023. SwAF flight instructors should have access to the platform before that date in order to prepare for the commencement of student training.

“It is a very tight timeline but the air force’s clear requirement is that the system should be based on existing products and that there should be no Swedish special solutions,” the FMV said, adding that the supplier will also be responsible for maintenance for the first three years with an option for another two years.

Sweden has formally launched the search for a new jet trainer aircraft, with a request for quotation...

Jane's Find unrivaled intelligence, consultancy and advertising solutions to the defence and national security sectors.