Saab offers Gripen lease to Malaysia

Saab CEO Håkan Bushke told the magazine Defence News that a rental contract could be the cheapest option for Malaysia, which has signalled its intention to buy fighter jets but not yet found a supplier.

Developments at home mean Sweden could soon have a surplus of jets on home turf. The Swedish government recently made it clear that it wanted Saab to plough ahead with the next generation of Jas Gripen E jets, which would mean Sweden has a fleet so large it could rent some planes out.

If Swiss voters say yes to buying Swedish fighter jets, they could also lease the old Gripen C and D until the final Gripen E would be ready for delivery.