Saab Pushes Swordfish MPA for New Zealand

01 Maret 2017

Swordfish MPA (image : Saab)

Saab believes its Swordfish maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) system is well suited to replace New Zealand’s fleet of Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions.

Wellington has yet to fully detail its plans for replacing its P-3Cs, but several companies are apparently interested in the opportunity, including Kawasaki with its P-1 platform and Boeing with its P-8 Poseidon.

Richard Hjelmberg, head of marketing and sales for airborne ISR, says that Saab’s proposal would see Swordfish integrated with a Bombardier Global 6000 business aircraft.

The jet would be able to perform routine peacetime duties, but in wartime it would be capable of detecting and prosecuting both surface and submerged targets.

Hjelmber says the aircraft also has long range, capable of loitering for seven hours 1,000nm from base. He also says Saab has held discussions with Southeast Asian countries for potential MPA acquisitions.

He contends that the Saab solution would also be more cost effective than rivals.

“We’re willing to share technology and work with local industry,” he adds. “We’re extremely willing to provide technology transfer, and allow clients to perform tasks such as adding sensors and weapons in country.”

(FlightGlobal)