Sweden has taken further steps toward its plans to produce next-generation combat aircraft, with defense company Saab receiving an order for ongoing conceptual studies for future fighter systems.
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According to information from The War Zone, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has awarded Saab a contract worth approximately USD 276 million, covering the period from 2025 to 2027.
In addition to FMV, Saab will work with the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, GKN Aerospace, and other unidentified industrial partners.
The new order includes conceptual studies for both manned and unmanned solutions as part of a “system of systems” approach, as well as technology development and undisclosed demonstrators.
“This order marks the next step in our joint journey to deliver innovative solutions that meet the future operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and other customers,” said Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area.
As TWZ pointed out, this statement confirms that Saab is also seeking to export any platforms resulting from this development effort, something that would help keep the program financially viable.
At this stage, it is still unclear whether there will be a definitive manned successor to the current Gripen fighter jet of the Swedish Air Force, or whether the ongoing studies will lead to a kind of “air combat ecosystem” composed of different types of drones, whether manned and/or unmanned.
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