Pentagon, Kremlin trade accusations on Ukraine

[bemildred]

9. Saab sees growing Gripen fighter demand amid Russia tensions

(Reuters) - Swedish defence company Saab said on Monday there was growing interest for its Gripen fighter jet from countries spread across Russia's European flank, amid rising tensions rise over Ukraine.

Czech Republic and Hungary already operate 14 Gripens each under leases, and a senior Saab executive said he was open to more such deals as others with limited budgets seek more modern air power.

"Even if they don't expect a Russian intervention, there are more tensions and air policing becomes necessary, so if you only have a few MiG-21s you would like to have a more robust system," deputy chief executive Lennart Sindahl said in an interview.

Leasing generates significant support deals, he said.


http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/04/27/saab-gripen-idUSL8N0XO2RK20150427?rpc=401