The Gripen User Group (GuG) is an inter-governmental initiative between Air Forces around the world, currently flying the Gripen fighter.
Each year, the GuG holds a conference in one of its member countries with the ambition to exchange experiences, further common knowledge and discuss potential development of the Gripen fighter.
The GuG team at Ysterplaat airshow watching South African Gripen air display. Photo: Saab.
This year was no exception and the week long event was hosted by Cape Town, South Africa. Pilots, including almost all squadron leaders, and technicians were representing the Swedish, South African, Hungarian, Czech and Royal Thai Air Force.
For most of the participants it was their first visit to South Africa and the week long conference ended with a Saab weekend, where Saab had the opportunity to inform, from an industry perspective, about the Gripen programme and future projects to be launched in South Africa.
Saab briefs GuG on future projects regarding Gripen in SA. Photo: Saab.
The programme was highly appreciated and one, of many, highlights from the weekend was the Ysterplaat air show in Cape Town. The Gripen user Group pilots were asked to give interviews live and sign autographs to the South African public. It was a very public display of the international flavour of Gripen and its customers.
An Oryx and a Dekota transport plan transported GuG team. Photo: Saab.