Sweden’s Saab company stated that it is capable of meeting the current demand for its JAS-39 Gripen E fighter jets, even if an agreement with Ukraine is finalized for the production of up to 150 aircraft to equip its Air Force, according to its CEO, Micael Johansson, last Friday following the presentation of the company’s third-quarter financial results.
This statement came after Sweden and Ukraine signed a Letter of Intent covering the possible export of between 100 and 150 Gripen E fighters, which would represent the largest aircraft order in the history of the Scandinavian country. Although it is a preliminary document and not a purchase contract—meaning it is non-binding—it constitutes the first formal step toward advancing bilateral cooperation in air defense between both countries and their respective industrial complexes.
During the announcement, Johansson explained that Saab is already increasing its production rate and could currently manufacture between 20 and 30 aircraft per year, though that figure would need to double if the agreement with Ukraine goes through. “It’s by no means impossible to drastically ramp up production if needed,” the executive told Reuters, clarifying that no purchase contract has yet been signed.
He also indicated that the company is considering opening new production centers beyond its current facilities in Sweden and Brazil, with the possibility of establishing industrial partnerships in Ukraine, other European countries, or even Canada. In the third quarter, Saab completed the sale of four Gripen aircraft to Thailand, valued at 5.3 billion Swedish crowns (approximately 564.12 million dollars).
The Gripen is a fourth-generation single-engine supersonic fighter that has been in service since 1996 and has undergone multiple upgrades, the most modern version being the “E” — also referred to as NG by Saab. Industry analysts describe it as a solid and cost-effective platform compared to fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35.
Regarding its financial performance, Saab raised its annual sales growth forecast to a range of 20–24%, driven by the global increase in military spending. The group reported an operating profit of 1.37 billion Swedish crowns (about 145.5 million dollars), a 16% increase compared to the same period last year.
Possible participation of Brazil in production
If large-scale production of the new Gripen E fighters is confirmed, Brazil could play a key role in Saab’s industrial framework. The Saab do Brasil subsidiary, located in São Bernardo do Campo (São Paulo), currently operates as a production and technology transfer center for the Gripen E/F program for the Brazilian Air Force.
Recently, the company announced the opening of a second assembly line dedicated to manufacturing rear fuselages, which doubled annual production capacity from eight to sixteen units. “The installation of the second rear fuselage production line is proof of the excellence achieved in Brazil. This milestone goes beyond the offset agreement under the Brazilian Gripen program and is a direct result of the technology transfer that has trained highly qualified professionals capable of multiplying knowledge in the country,” explained Peter Dölling, Managing Director of Saab Brazil.
If a potential contract with Ukraine is finalized, this infrastructure could serve as a logistical and industrial support hub to accelerate production of the new Gripen E fighters destined for the Ukrainian Air Force.
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