(December 3, 2009) -- Saab has entered into a partnership with Thai company Avia Satcom Co. Ltd., to form a joint venture for developing high technology products within aviation and defence.

The new company, Avia Saab Technologies, will initially focus on the development of a National Tactical Datalink in the Gripen fighter, which has been ordered by the Royal Thai Air Force. The company will be established in 2009 and is to be based in Bangkok, Thailand.

"The joint venture will offer locally developed products for the Thai Armed Forces and the export market. It will also bring investments and leading edge technology to Thailand, and create highly advanced job opportunities for Thai professionals," says Kaj Rosander, Saab's Campaign Director for Gripen in Thailand.

Creating high-tech job opportunities in Thailand

"This is really special for Thailand," says Kajohnsak Watanangura, Avia Satcom's manager responsible for the joint venture programme. "Firstly, the technology transferred must be developed further before it can be incorporated into the product. This definitely calls for employees who are highly technologically competent, which Thailand has and over time the skill levels will rise even further."

Among future prospects besides the Tactical Datalink, are Command & Control Systems, Simulators, Training, Mission Support Systems, Electronic Warfare Systems, Upgrade Programs and Logistic Support.