Saab Comments on Swedish-UK Future Combat Air Announcement

On 18 July 2019, the governments of Sweden and the United Kingdom signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding co-operation on future combat air systems. Saab views the agreement as a starting point for exploring the opportunity for joint development of a future combat air system, which will also read across into the continued long-term development of existing platforms including Gripen.

Leading up to the MoU signing, Saab has worked with British industry partners, BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA and Rolls Royce on a feasibility study on future combat air systems (FCAS), which concluded that identified synergies between the companies would provide a solid foundation for the further development of the required industrial and technology base. Saab will contribute with its experience of advanced technology development, system integration of complete combat air systems and related areas including sensors, missile systems and support.

“Throughout our history, Saab has continuously conducted studies and research of future concepts and technologies, which has allowed us to stay at the leading edge. International co-operation is part of Saab’s strategy for growth and the collaboration with the British industries represents that way of working also with regard to the future”, comments Håkan Buskhe, President and CEO of Saab.

Saab and British industry stand ready to support the outlined objectives set out by the Swedish and UK governments. Saab has not yet received an order in relation to the FCAS MoU.

Saab is today developing the next generation fighter Gripen E/F, and is committed to do so in close partnership with its strategic partners, the Swedish and Brazilian Air Forces, as well as with other existing and new Gripen customers, to ensure that Gripen evolves to meet emerging operational requirements for decades to come.

Technology development through the Swedish-UK collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge and expertise across industry, will provide additional benefits to the long-term sustainment and development of existing platforms and systems including Gripen, as well as the potential for a joint FCAS programme that will meet the requirements of the UK and Sweden, as well as the international market.

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