Originally Posted by
DuckDodgers
KAI's FA-50 is an interesting one and their default position is not to engage with private entity, this is why ITPS in Canada needs to be watched closely as to whether anything comes of the MoU that was signed in November 2020. I presume this is why SkyAlyne are working with LM vice KAI to offer T-50 for FACT to the DND as the owner / lessor will be a private entity? Either way to lease that jet over 10 years at say 300hrs a year and factoring in Direct Platform Costs, Indirect Platform Costs, Other Direct Costs, Labour, Fuel, Profit etc you are still looking at circa $24K per hour which isn't overly stupid for what's a great little aircraft.
Gripen is interesting, we all know the Gripen Aggressor was just marketing nonsense from Saab. What needs understanding is the disposition of the 204 jets built for Sweden which is roughly as follows: 28 leased to CZE / HUN, 12 G2G sale to Thailand, 7 written off, 24 in store for disposal or Sale, 32 dismantled/partially dismantled for spare, 7 in reserve for SWE, 4 used for Gripen NG demos, 2 in museums and 88 in SWE AF. The key is understanding how many of the Gripen C will be retained beyond 2026 and what the drawdown profile looks like for 4 of the 6 current Gripen squadrons.
However, both platforms use the GE F404 engine and tech data transfer could be an issue, particularly to a non-US private entity.
It wouldn't in my view make any sense for Canada (SkyAlyne) to go with a platform from around the world, when they have LM lobbying from across the border. SkyAlyne aside, the T-50 is a very interesting proposition and I understand there have been talks to get the platform into use as an aggressor. The T-50 has belly flopped in terms of exporting and it would be a great free advertising of the platform to operate it as an aggressor for Western Air Forces. Which is why there's a potential deal to be had.
There have now been 271+ Gripens produced, so its not a small project and there some C models floating around that haven't been upgraded which would make a fine aggressor platform. Furthermore, BAE Systems have their tentacles in to SAAB over various things which makes for an interesting aspect.
Gripen Cs (Not the the Es or NGs) are powered by
the Volvo Flygmotor RM-12 a licence-built derivative of the GE404; so its already exported under license. The bonus being that whilst yes, Blackstone, Draken's owners is a private equity company, it is American which will provide it some leverage. Lets also not forget that the RAF operated the Gripen at ETPS under a wet lease scheme.
So all in all, Gripen is still the answer and its up to BD to sort out the operating deal and costs - though I do concede that a crux of operating the platform within the UK is how much the MoD are willing to pay. We could clearly strike a deal with the Americans to share the cost as they will also be looking for a capable red air platform for USAFE sorties not just within the UK, but into Germany and Italy.