Swedish defense and security company Saab has secured a contract to develop concepts for the next generation of fighter jets for the Swedish Air Force. The contract, awarded by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), covers a two-year period from 2024 to 2025.
This project will involve conceptual studies for both manned and unmanned fighter solutions, emphasizing a “system of systems” perspective. Saab will delve into technology development and demonstrations, collaborating closely with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), GKN Aerospace, and other industry partners.
“Saab is in a strong position, and having recently developed Gripen E and GlobalEye we have the advanced technology and engineering know-how to take the future fighter concept forward,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics, according to a company press release. “This means we will continue delivering innovative solutions to meet the future operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and other customers.”
The focus on both manned and unmanned solutions suggests Saab is exploring a future where these platforms work together, potentially with unmanned aircraft acting as scouts, decoys, or weapon carriers alongside manned fighter jets. Saab also emphasizes its commitment to exploring emerging and disruptive technologies that could play a critical role in future combat aircraft systems. The company plans to leverage innovation platforms such as the Swedish Government’s Defense Innovation Initiative and NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) to stay at the forefront of technological advancements.
These conceptual studies will progress in parallel with Saab’s ongoing work on upgrading existing Gripen C/D fighter jets and introducing the next-generation Gripen E to both the Swedish Air Force and the Brazilian Air Force. The development of next-generation fighter aircraft is a complex endeavor with significant implications for Sweden’s defense strategies. Saab’s contract with the Swedish FMV represents a crucial step in this ongoing process.
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