๐๐๐๐ ๐ง๐๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐จ ๐ค๐ง๐๐๐ง ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐๐จ๐ ๐๐ช๐ฉ๐ช๐ง๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ฉ๐๐ง ๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐ฅ๐ฉ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ช๐๐๐๐จ
In 2023 Sweden left its position as an โobserverโ to the joint UK-Italian-Japanese GCAP programme, which will deliver a potential sixth-generation fighter capability.
Saabย has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) regarding conceptual studies for future fighters for both crewed and uncrewed systems, with the contract running through to 2025.Saab is building the Gripen E platform for use by Sweden and Brazil, and has now been contracted to explore future air combat technologies. Credit: Saab
According to a 22 March release Saab will โcollaborate closelyโ with the FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, GKN Aerospace, and other industry partners.
โSaab 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. This means we will continue delivering innovative solutions to meet the future operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and other customers,โ says Lars Tossman, head of Saabโs business area Aeronautics.
Saab will further develop collaborations with stakeholders working with emerging and disruptive technologies, which will play an important part in future combat aircraft systems. Saab will also explore innovation platforms including the Swedish Governmentโs Defense Innovation Initiative and Natoโs Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).
The concept studies included in this contract will take place in parallel with Saab upgradingย Gripen C/Dย and introducingย Gripen Eย in Sweden and Brazil. In February 2024 Saab was contracted to deliver four additional Gripen C/D fighter for the Hungarian Air Force, building on a previous agreement for the provision of 14 platforms.
With this new contract amendment, Hungary will operate a total of 18 Gripen C/D aircraft to protect and defend the Hungarian and Nato airspace.