Aircraft
Defense Primes Discuss Fighter Updates at Paris 2013
The Gripen F trials aircraft 39-7 is now flying with the Selex ES Skyward IRST fitted in a turret ahead of the windscreen. (Photo: David McIntosh)
The Gripen F trials aircraft 39-7 is now flying with the Selex ES Skyward IRST fitted in a turret ahead of the windscreen. (Photo: David McIntosh)

Saab CEO Håkan Buskhe revealed this week that the company is exploring the idea of an Optional Manned Gripen (OMG). While believing that manned operations will still be needed for at least the next 40 years, Buskhe also recognizes that many “dull and dangerous” missions could be performed better by an unmanned aircraft. Using an OMG for such roles rather than acquiring another type of aircraft would, in essence, halve the logistics costs. OMGs could perhaps operate in a formation under the control of piloted aircraft.