Saab unveils first Gripen E

The launch of the Gripen E test aircraft will take place at Saab's facilities in Link�ping.

Defence and security company Saab will take the next step in the evolution of the Gripen fighter system on 18 May, with the unveiling of the first test aircraft of the next generation, Gripen E.

The unveiling of the first Gripen E test aircraft will take place at Saab's facilities in Linkoping. Among the speakers are the Swedish minister for defence, Peter Hultqvist; the Swedish Air Force chief of staff, Mats Helgesson; commander of the Brazilian Air Force, Nivaldo Luiz Rossato; and from Saab, the chairman of the board, Marcus Wallenberg; the CEO, Hakan Buskhe; and head of business area Aeronautics, Ulf Nilsson.

"There is huge global interest in the Gripen fighter system and we are now ready to present the first Gripen E. We look forward to sharing this important event with both guests and viewers," says Nilsson.

"This key milestone is proof of our ability to build world-class fighters on time and on budget and it brings us one step closer to first flight and delivery to our customer," says Nilsson.

The event will be live-streamed on Saab's Web site, making it possible for people around the world to take part. Please visit www.gripen.com/evolution to learn more about the Gripen Evolution and to watch the unveiling of the Gripen E.

The live Webcast will start on Wednesday 18 May at 3pm CET. Registration for the Webcast is not required.

To follow the event in social media, join the conversation at #smartfighter and follow @saab on Twitter.