SAAB is the maker of the highly reputed 4+ generation fighter the JAS-39 "GRIPEN"
QUEPEM (GOA): Sweden's SAAB wants to be an Indian company, says Jan Widerstrom, Chairman and Managing Director of SAAB India Technologies. At the Defence Expo 2016, Widerstrom told Economictimes.com that SAAB is ready to transfer defence technology to India.
"I say that I want to be Indian. I want our company to be Indian, and in the right environment, we will be Indian," he said. "The government is already working to make the business environment right. Of course, raising the FDI limit to 49% is a good step, we want to see what the new DPP looks like, it will be exciting. If we can do business here, we are ready to transfer technology and build up capabilities in the country," he added.
Asked what his recommendation would be to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for encouraging private industry, Widerstrom said, "The key to make 'Make in India' work is to create a business environment. It is not about putting in regulations, A, B & C. It's about making an environment that would actually attract foreign and domestic industries."
SAAB sees India as one of its most important markets and has offered to manufacture the Gripen fighter aircraft in the country. SAAB has also offered to support HAL in manufacturing the next generation version of the LCA Tejas. "We are in dialogue with HAL regarding that support," he said.
Not just fighter jets, SAAB is also aggressively eyeing India on the missile front. Asked how the company plans to carve a niche for itself, given that India's indigenous missile systems are also good, Widerstrom quipped, "India's market is big enough for all of us, luckily. There are niche products that we are aiming at. I think we have the perfect match for the requirements of the Indian Army, Air Force and Navy. Also, we are offering our missile programs and air defence programs in line with the 'Make in India' concept."
Talking extensively on the Indian market and SAAB's prospects, Widerstrom said, "We see India as one of our most important markets. Our global strategy is to have a big enough global footprints in each market and India has a vast base of engineers and the country is growing. We definitely see big prospects for the future. "We want to supply not only to the Indian market but also supply to other markets with India as the manufacturing base of India," he added.