Saab has received a contract worth approximately SEK 2.6 billion (approximately $ 270 million) from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (FMV) to continue conceptual studies of future fighter aircraft systems between 2025 and 2027.
The agreement is further based on the contract signed in March 2024 within the framework of the program * Concept for Future Fighting Flights * (KFS)- * Future Combat Aviation Concept *-and includes studies of manned and unmanned aircraft from a “system-AV system” perspective, as well as technology development and demonstration projects.
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Saab will continue to cooperate with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defense Forces’ Research Institute (FOI), GKN Aerospace and other industrial and institutional partners.
Strategic independence and lessons from the war in Ukraine
The KFS program, which was launched in 2023, is a central part of Sweden’s long-term planning for fighter flights and aims to define the next generation of air combat capacity regardless of the international GCAP program (Global Combat Air Program) led by the UK.
Sweden, which initially participated in the Team Tempest Consortium, chose to leave GCAP after the merger with Japan’s FX project in 2022, and decided to evaluate its own strategic needs with regard to the war in Ukraine, NATO membership and increased defense spending.
Focus on sneaky technology, autonomy and electronic warfare
The new Swedish concept prioritizes low signature, autonomy and electronic warfare – areas where Saab makes rapid progress. In 2025, the company conducted test flights with Gripen E equipped with the AI agent *Centaur *, developed by the German defense AI company Helsing. The system made tactical decisions during battle missions beyond vision.
The next research phase will focus on further development of technology for collaboration between manned and unmanned aircraft (MUM-T, Manned-Unmanned Teaming) and the use of artificial intelligence in air combat. Saab also tests sneaky configurations and the concept of Loyal Wingman, where unmanned aircraft operates together with manned fighter flights.
Procurement decisions are expected around 2031
The funded concept phase is ongoing until 2027, with the development of demonstration flights planned to start in 2026 and a procurement decision is expected around 2031. The timeline coincides with the Swedish Air Force’s modernization plan and Gripenflottan’s replacement cycle.
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