As the country’s aerospace industry, Sweden and Saab have never planned to build their fifth-generation fighter jet. Saab only supports and participates with the British BAE Systems project to develop the Tempest’s sixth-generation fighter jet. However, this cooperation might be axed soon.
SAAB announced that it received a contract order from the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) to develop future fighter aircraft. The order value is estimated to reach SEK250 million (25 million USD). Under the contract, Saab will conduct studies on future air combat capabilities.The related studies will be preparatory and focus on expanding work on how future combat aviation capabilities can be realised and developed.
Jonas Hjelm, Head of the Business Area also Senior Vice President of Saab Aeronautics, wrote on SAAB’s website, “I am very pleased that we have received this order, which enables the development of future capabilities. It means that we can intensify our work to develop new concepts, technologies, and other endeavours required to achieve relevant operational capability and which will prepare the future for Saab’s fighter technologies,” he said, according to Saab. According to Sweden’s FMV, the contract will involve participation in international collaborations and national studies on future combat air capabilities. The contract includes participation in international collaborations and national studies of future combat aviation capabilities.
In 2019, British Defence Minister Stuart Andrew and Swedish Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the two countries to work together on the development of next-generation combat aeronautics. Swedish Defence Minister Hultqvis stressed that “Sweden’s long-standing motto of developing ultra-modern fighters. He said the development is expensive and time-consuming. “It is, therefore, in our mutual interest to partner with performers with operational and industrial skills. This is the start of the future of joint air combat operations. We share the same approach and understanding of what we need.”
As part of this Memorandum of Understanding, Saab announced in July 2020 that it would establish a ‘centre-of-excellence’ as part of several 50 million British Pound($6 million) investments in partnership.
