BAE Pulls Out Of Saab, Gripen Feels Cleansed

You've probably read the reports about BAE Systems divesting a large part of its shareholding in Gripen/Saab with the intention to pull out completely from the company shortly. From the way things look right now, it appears Gripen is relieved to be rid of the British company. The rationale -- the BAE tag brought enormous negative perceptions, and continues to cast a shadow on deals already signed. For India, the pull-out gives BAE conditions to focus unequivocally on the Typhoon, rather than keep at a stand-off distance with fingers in two contending pies. The Gripen field evaluation trials (the last in the series) begin shortly. The just concluded Eurofighter trials went through well, sources have just told me. Stay tuned for updates.

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