Saab has received an order worth approximately SEK 2.9 billion from Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to continue developing technologies and concepts for future fighter aircraft.
Announced on 9 September 2026, the contract runs from 2026 to 2028, with options extending the programme into 2029 and 2030.
The agreement supports Sweden’s efforts to assess future combat aviation requirements and develop technologies that could inform subsequent aircraft procurement decisions.
Developing future combat aircraft technologies
The programme includes flying and ground-based demonstrators, advanced technical studies and the development of concepts for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
Areas of investigation include autonomy, propulsion, systems integration, signature adaptation and digital engineering.
These technologies are increasingly relevant to the development of future air combat systems, where aircraft and supporting platforms may need to operate within connected military networks.
Demonstrator programmes allow manufacturers and defence authorities to assess technical feasibility before committing to larger development and production programmes.
Saab’s latest order builds on earlier agreements signed with FMV in 2024 and 2025.
Supporting Sweden’s future air combat choices
The programme is intended to strengthen Sweden’s national competence in aircraft development and manufacturing while reducing technical uncertainty surrounding future combat aviation capabilities.
For defence procurement organisations, the use of demonstrators provides an opportunity to evaluate technological maturity, integration requirements and potential programme risks.
Work on crewed and uncrewed concepts also reflects the growing importance of autonomy and coordinated operations within future military aviation.
Maintaining domestic design and integration expertise may give Sweden greater flexibility when considering potential international partnerships or independent development options.
The latest contract does not represent the procurement of a new operational fighter aircraft. Instead, it finances research, demonstration and concept development intended to inform Sweden’s longer-term air combat decisions.
