Defense contractor secures three-year deal to develop manned and unmanned combat systems as Sweden prepares for post-2040 air operations
Sweden has granted Saab a nearly $282 million contract to continue developing technology for the country’s future fighter aircraft program, extending a collaborative effort that began last year.
Stockholm’s Defence Materiel Administration announced the award Monday, valued at almost 2.7 billion Swedish kronor. The three-year contract runs through 2027 and focuses on advancing both piloted and autonomous combat systems.
“This order sets the next step on our joint journey in delivering innovative solutions to meet future operational needs of the Swedish armed forces and other customers,” Lars Tossman, head of Saab Aeronautics, said in a statement.
The contract “includes continued work within the Future Fighter Aircraft System (KFS) concept programme, which is being conducted in collaboration between FMV, Saab and GKN Aerospace,” the Swedish procurement agency said.
Work under the deal will proceed in two phases. Concept studies and technology development will continue until the third quarter of 2026, while demonstrator testing â including first flights â will extend through 2027, according to the FMV.
The program “is an important part of developing and verifying technology that can form the basis for future decisions on Swedish fighter air capability,” the procurement body added.
Carl-Fredrik Edstrom, the FMV’s head of aerospace materiel, emphasized the strategic timeline. “Given the long development cycles in the fighter aviation area, it is important that we already now build knowledge, test technology and prepare for future choices,” he said.
The effort aims to assess Sweden’s operational requirements for the period after 2040, when current fighter capabilities may need replacement or substantial upgrades.
The contract comes as Sweden expands its fighter aircraft portfolio. The Swedish air force plans to field its first operational Gripen E fighters in late October at Satenas air base. Sweden has ordered 60 of the single-seat variant.
The FMV also announced earlier this month an approximately 4 billion kronor contract with Saab covering support and maintenance services for the Gripen fleet in 2026 and 2027. That agreement includes options to extend the arrangement through 2029.
Sweden currently operates a fleet of almost 100 earlier-generation Gripen C and D models.
Key Takeaways
- Sweden awarded Saab a $282 million contract extending through 2027 to develop next-generation fighter technology, including manned and unmanned systems.
- The Future Fighter Aircraft System program involves collaboration between Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration, Saab and GKN Aerospace to prepare for post-2040 air operations.
- Concept studies and technology development continue until third quarter 2026, with demonstrator flights scheduled through 2027.
- Sweden will deploy its first operational Gripen E fighters in late October, with 60 single-seat variants on order to complement its existing fleet of nearly 100 Gripen C/D models.
