To date. 130 Gripen aircraft have been delivered to the Swedish Air Force, including the first aircraft (No. 208) complete with retractable refuelling probe, updated avionic systems and NATO compatible servicing connections and weapons pylons. Older JAS39A Gnpens are currently being returned to Saab at Lmkoping. for upgrade to the latest standard. With regard to exports, the South African Air Force programme is proceeding well, with Saab making every effort to fulfil its offset agreements in order to secure approval for the second batch, which will be mostly single seaters. A Hungarian Air Force leasing deal will also be concluded very soon, with Gripens entering HAF service from 2006 onwards. Efforts are also being made to resurrect the Czech Air Force Gripen order, which collapsed earlier this year following the disastrous floods in Central Europe, and to also efforts are being made to overturn a recent Brazilian fighter deal with Dassault - for the Mirage 2000-5. Brazil's newly elected President believes that the deal between Dassault and Embraer is not in Brazil's best interests and the competition for a new fighter aircraft may be re-opened in 2003.
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