Sweden orders additional Grob 120TP aircraft

The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract for three more Grob 120TP training aircraft, further enhancing the Swedish Air Force’s training capabilities. This follows an initial order in 2021 for 10 aircraft and a simulator, demonstrating Sweden’s commitment to modernising its pilot training programme. Training aircraft play a vital role in air force operations, providing a safe and effective platform for pilots to develop essential skills before transitioning to advanced fighter jets.

Grob Aircraft Formation
MaxSpeed, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The FMV is the agency responsible for procuring equipment for the Swedish Armed Forces. The Grob 120TP is a modern, high-performance training aircraft known for its agility and reliability, making it well-suited for preparing pilots for the demands of modern air combat. Deliveries of the initial batch of Grob 120TP aircraft began in 2023 and are scheduled to be completed in 2024.

This new contract includes three aircraft, a spare engine, and additional training aids and planning tools. With this addition, the Swedish Air Force’s fleet of Grob 120TP aircraft will increase to 13. This expansion is expected to significantly bolster training capacity and efficiency. Delivery of the aircraft to FMV is expected in December 2024, with the Swedish Air Force receiving them in the first quarter of 2025.

The purchase of these additional aircraft brings several benefits to the Swedish Air Force. The most significant advantage is the increased training capacity, allowing more pilots to be trained simultaneously. This will be crucial in ensuring the Air Force has a sufficient number of highly skilled pilots to meet future operational demands. Furthermore, expanding the fleet will improve the training system’s overall availability and robustness, minimising potential disruptions and ensuring a consistent flow of trained pilots.

The acquisition of these additional Grob 120TP aircraft marks a significant investment in the future of the Swedish Air Force. By bolstering its training capacity, the Air Force ensures it can continue to produce highly skilled pilots capable of operating effectively in an increasingly complex and challenging global security environment. As technology advances and air combat evolves, we can expect continued investment in pilot training and the adoption of cutting-edge training aircraft.

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