Sweden has awarded a contract to Saab to provide support for the Gripen Next Generation (NG) fighter’s operational capacity.

Under the Skr230m ($29m) contract, Saab will provide product maintenance, technical support, basic operations such as test flying, rigs and simulators to Sweden.

The contract, awarded by the Swedish Defence Material Administration, will ensure the system’s operational ability and airworthiness.

Saab will carry out the work in mid-2010 at its Swedish plants in Linkoping, Arboga, Goteborg and Stockholm.