JAS-39 Gripen

BAS 04 / Flygbasbataljon 04

The BAS 04 which partially builds on the BAS 2000 has been trialled during 2000, training has started and all units are to be trained, organized and equipped for it by the end of 2003.

One of the main features of BAS 04 is that it's fully independent of infrastructure, apart from runways of course, nothing else is needed where it will operate. This means it's not as tied in to specific locations as BAS 90 and precessors was. As a result of this, it's also suited for international operations as everything is mobile and it's easier to upgrade to more modern equipment as needed, and should the threat become more serious it's easier to enhance the organization with more resources.

Compared to BAS 90 the numerically smaller personell, 122 officers, 550 soldiers and 42 civilians, is based more concentrated, but not necessarily in the same place over time, and is more mobile within the bases.

BAS 04 has one main task to support one fighter squadron. Additionally it can also as a secondary task support transport and liason flights.

The organization is designed to be split up in order to sustain operations simultaneously on two different airbases, while still being led as a single unit. It's capable to withstand attack in shorter term than BAS 90, but to otherwise sustain operations indefinitely.

For international operations starting in 2002 the air force will have the ability to start operations at a foreign location 30 days after the word go. One battalion will have this readyness as well as one fighter squadron (optimized towards reconnaissance) and one transport flight with Herculeses.

Armament

* 2x 7.5 mm or 7.62 mm machine guns, 200 rounds/gun
* Up to 140 kg (310 lb) of weapons on two underwing hardpoints, including 50 kg (110 lb) bombs, unguided rockets, and Nord Aviation SS.11 anti-tank missiles.