Warplanes: July 20, 2002

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Sweden's Air Force had previously announced a series of major upgrades for its JAS-39 Gryphon fighter, including a new engine, conformal fuel tanks, a scanned-radar array, integral search-and-track, and new electronic-warfare gear providing 360 degree defensive coverage. But then the Swedish government started cutting planned purchases of the fighter, leaving Saab without enough revenue to fund development of the improvements. The Swedes are now desperately seeking export orders as the only way to make the announced upgrades financially possible.--Stephen V Cole