Pilatus and Saab have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer the former’s PC-21 basic trainer to the Swedish air force for a potentially 20-aircraft requirement.
Signed in Bern on 28 March, the co-operation agreement puts the companies “on a footing to co-operate in the replacement of the Swedish air force’s current pilot trainer aircraft, the SK 60 [Saab 105], should Sweden decide to replace the fleet”, says Saab.
“This is a result of a long dialogue that began with the selection of the Gripen E in Switzerland. It truly shows that there are extended business opportunities that can result from the Gripen decision,” says Saab chief executive Håkan Buskhe.
A public referendum will be conducted in Switzerland on 18 May into the Gripen Fund Law, which is linked to the proposed 22-aircraft acquisition for the Swiss air force. Deliveries will begin in 2018 if a “yes” vote is recorded.
“The Gripen is the optimum aircraft for the Swiss air force, and the PC-21 provides the best solution for the provision of training to military pilots, in Sweden and elsewhere,” says Pilatus chief executive Markus Bucher.