Saab has received an order from Sweden to provide conceptual studies for its future manned and unmanned fighter aircraft.
Under the contract, which will run from 2024 to 2025, the manufacturer will develop the fighter concepts alongside the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, Defense Research Agency, and armed forces. Industry partners will also take part in the concept work.
The studies will take place in parallel with Saab’s Gripen C/D maintenance and upgrades, as well as the introduction of the Gripen E in Sweden and Brazil.
Saab Aeronautics Business Head Lars Tossman shared that their experience with developing the Gripen planes underlines the company’s ability to meet the Swedish Armed Forces’ operational needs.
“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,” he said.
Next-Generation Development
One of the companies involved in Sweden’s creation of the next-generation aircraft is GKN Aerospace, which is taking on the design for the fighter’s advanced power and propulsion systems.
GKN signed the concept deal earlier this month and will seek collaboration with partners in engine system design and disruptive technologies.
Once implemented, the new fighter planes will likely replace the older Gripen fleet. Sweden currently operates 74 JAS 39Cs, 24 Ds, and three E variants.