The Swedish company Saab has received a new order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) aimed at supporting the future development of the Swedish Air Force’s Gripen combat system. The contract covers activities planned for the 2026–2028 period and is valued at approximately 2.5 billion Swedish kronor (around US$272 million).
According to official information, the order will allow the continued evolution of the Gripen system through the operation and support of test aircraft, as well as advanced tools, including test benches, integration systems and simulators. These resources are used in system verification and validation processes and also serve as a basis for the development of new operational capabilities.
From Saab, it was noted that this type of infrastructure is key to sustaining the pace of fighter updates. In this regard, Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, stated: “To enable continuous development, advanced tools are required that are easy to use, efficient to maintain and quick to configure. This order ensures that Saab’s development resources meet these requirements, so that the Gripen system can continue to be upgraded to meet the current and future threat landscape.”
This new contract adds to recent milestones related to the modernization of the Gripen fleet. In November, Saab announced the award of an additional agreement valued at 1 billion Swedish kronor (approximately US$109 million), aimed at the development and serial production of new weapon release systems for the Gripen C/D and Gripen E fighters. These systems are designed to carry air-to-air missiles and countermeasure pods, integrating with the aircraft pylons via specific data links.
At that time, Tossman highlighted the importance of these developments, stating: “The weapon release system is an important component in ensuring continued Gripen availability and supporting the capabilities of the Swedish Air Force.”
These industrial and contractual developments are taking place in parallel with the gradual entry into operational service of the JAS 39 Gripen E. In October, the Swedish Air Force officially received its first aircraft of this variant during a ceremony held at Skaraborg Air Base, led by Minister of Defence Pål Jonson. The Gripen E is part of a program that envisages the delivery of 60 aircraft, intended to replace and complement the Gripen C/D, which have formed the backbone of Swedish combat aviation since the early 2000s.
The Gripen E incorporates significant improvements over previous versions, including the Raven ES-05 AESA radar, the General Electric F414G engine, and updated electronic warfare and communications systems, as well as a modular design that allows for future integrations.
In parallel with the strengthening of national capabilities, the Swedish fighter also appears in scenarios of potential international expansion. During a recent official visit by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Sweden, both countries signed a Letter of Intent regarding the possible acquisition by Ukraine of up to 150 JAS 39 Gripen E fighters, representing the first formal step following previous studies and evaluations.
In this context, the new contract between Saab and FMV reinforces the continuity of the Gripen program and its long-term outlook, both within Swedish defense and in potential scenarios of international cooperation and export.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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