Date: 17th April 2002 Reference: PR/039/02 Pilkington Aerospace lands Swedish jet fighter contract Pilkington plc: Philip Webb Tel: +44 (0)1744 692184 Pilkington Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pilkington plc, has been selected by Saab of Sweden to supply the advanced transparency system for the cockpit of the new Saab Gripen JAS 39 jet fighter. The contract is the latest business success for Pilkington Aerospace. Recent wins include selection by Lockheed Martin to supply the Integrated Transparency System for the new US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and a 'life of the programme' contract to supply windshields for the Bombardier Learjet 45 corporate jet. The Gripen JAS 39 is a fourth generation, multi-role combat aircraft to be manufactured by Saab for the Swedish domestic defence and for export to several countries including Hungary, The Czech Republic and South Africa. Saab's design and development of the aircraft is being co-ordinated with BAE Systems, which has a 35 per cent interest in the project. The Pilkington Aerospace contract, valued at more than $15 million, calls for the design, development and production of windshields and canopy systems for 250 fighter aircraft which could double to 500, with more than 80 per cent expected for export. With spares, the total value of the contract could grow substantially over the total life of the programme. Ends