Sweden’s defense procurement agency (FMV) has awarded Saab and GKN Aerospace contracts to continue conceptual work on a future fighter system.
The work, first awarded in 2024 and expanded in 2025, explores fighter capabilities for the Swedish Armed Forces, including manned and unmanned aircraft.
The latest 2.9-billion Swedish-krona ($300-million) contract to Saab covers flying and ground demonstrators, advanced studies, and concepts for manned and unmanned systems. It runs through 2028, with options for 2029 and 2030.
GKN Aerospace will provide expertise in strategic technology areas, including thermal management, onboard electrical power, and propulsion-related systems under its 390-million Swedish krona ($40-million) contract, which also runs through 2028.
“We are very pleased that FMV continues to show confidence in Saab through this new contract,” head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, Lars Tossman, said.
“The work is crucial to further develop and demonstrate new technologies that will be central to future fighter systems.”
Senior vice president of Governmental Solutions – Defence and Space at GKN Aerospace, Sara Eklöf, said the “contract enables us to continue developing and validating technologies that could prove critical to future combat air systems.”
“Through close collaboration between government agencies, industry and research organisations, we are strengthening Sweden’s technological expertise in a strategically important area.”
Quest for Future Fighter System
The initiative will help inform the Swedish government’s decision on the air system that will eventually replace the JAS 39 Gripen, potentially in the 2040s.
Stockholm is considering three options: developing a national combat aircraft system, developing one through international cooperation, or acquiring a foreign combat aircraft system.
A decision on the way forward is expected by 2030. Sweden currently operates Gripen C/D fighters and is introducing 60 Gripen E aircraft, with plans for additional E-series aircraft to replace C/D fighters transferred to Ukraine.
The program will strengthen Sweden’s aerospace and defense-industrial capabilities while building expertise, reducing technical risks, and preserving options regardless of the eventual decision on its future air combat system.
