From the MILTECH BRIEF event dataset — every item we publish is logged as a structured, source-graded record. Stated values only; we never estimate.
Saab introduced the Allied Mission System, a cloud-based software platform that integrates space surveillance, mission management and command and control into a single interface. The system is designed to monitor space threats, understand the battlespace and coordinate responses. AMS aims to aggregate data from multiple sensors and provide a common operating picture for space domain awareness missions.
Saab, Sweden's FMV procurement agency and the Swedish Armed Forces have developed and launched a demonstrator for a large uncrewed underwater vehicle (LUUV) in under a year. Saab described the demonstrator as a fully functional underwater vehicle.
Sweden's FMV defence procurement agency has ordered a new flight control computer for the Gripen fighter from Saab under a contract worth SEK 1.3 billion (€116 million). Saab will replace the current flight control computer with what it calls a future-proof solution designed to meet long-term requirements for availability, performance, and adaptability. Deliveries are planned for 2030.
Why it matters: A flight-control computer replacement is rarely just about the box — it usually signals a capability roadmap Sweden hasn't yet disclosed publicly.
SwedenSaabFMV EDR Magazine →Defence Industry Europe →Militaer Aktuell →
Saab presented the first of three GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft ordered by Sweden, replacing the two ASC 890 aircraft donated to Ukraine. The Bombardier Global 6000-based radar jet, unveiled October 15, will now undergo testing and verification ahead of its maiden flight and delivery. Sweden ordered three GlobalEye in 2022; the United Arab Emirates operates the type.
Why it matters: Sweden gave Ukraine its only AEW fleet and is replacing it with a business jet platform already in UAE service. GlobalEye is Europe's only non-NATO, non-U.S. AEW&C in serial production; Sweden's order keeps the line warm and proves the export case.
Poland and Sweden have signed formal contracts for Polish submarine crew training and the lease of Sweden's A17-class boat HMS Södermanland, paving the way for future delivery of Saab A26 submarines to Poland. The training and interim boat will bridge the gap until Poland's own A26s arrive.
Embraer and Saab flew the first Gripen E built outside Sweden at the Gavião Peixoto plant in São Paulo state. The aircraft is the first of 15 to be assembled in Brazil under the Brazilian Air Force's F-39E programme. It marks technology transfer from Linköping to Latin America.
Why it matters: Saab has turned industrial offsets into genuine dual-site production — rare in fighter deals, and a model other primes will study as export competition sharpens.
EmbraerSaabBrazil EDR Magazine →European Security & Defence →The Aviationist →Airforce Technology →
Sweden plans to modify Gripen fighters destined for Ukraine to carry French Armement Air-Sol Modulaire precision-guided munitions, according to French defence publication Opex360. France pledged several hundred AASM kits to Ukraine in early 2024. The modifications will allow Soviet-legacy Ukrainian airframes to employ the weapon until Western fighters arrive in larger numbers.
The Netherlands has signed a letter of intent with Sweden to purchase at least one Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft, the Dutch Ministry of Defence announced. The Netherlands currently relies on NATO's ageing AWACS fleet for long-range surveillance and does not operate a national AEW&C platform.
Why it matters: The Dutch just committed to fixing their surveillance gap with a proven platform rather than wait for NATO's replacement programme. One aircraft is a placeholder—the LOI leaves the door open for more.
NetherlandsSwedenSaab UK Defence Journal →Defence Industry Europe →Defence Blog →
Sweden's defence procurement agency FMV has granted Saab a contract worth approximately SEK 2.9 billion (€260 million) to continue concept work on a future fighter system. The deal runs from 2026 to 2028 with options extending through 2030 and covers both crewed and uncrewed platforms. Saab will mature technologies and build flying demonstrators, keeping a wholly Swedish design path open alongside European collaborative programmes FCAS and GCAP.
Why it matters: Stockholm is hedging: funding a national fallback while its partners negotiate GCAP workshare gives it leverage and preserves sovereign capability if multinational programmes falter.
SwedenSaabFMV Defense News →UK Defence Journal →Hartpunkt →Militär Aktuell →
Ukraine has confirmed that the two Saab 340 AEW&C airborne early warning aircraft donated by Sweden in May 2024 are now in service with Ukrainian forces, according to Zone Militaire. The aircraft, designated ASC 890 or S100D Argus in Swedish service, were included in a €1.16 billion Swedish aid package. The platforms provide airborne radar surveillance and command and control capability.
Why it matters: Kyiv now has eyes above the clutter—two airborne radar platforms change the geometry of air defence across eastern Ukraine.
Saab has revealed its MCMV 24 mine countermeasures vessel concept designed specifically for Baltic Sea operations, according to Naval News. The design combines glass-reinforced plastic composite construction with high-speed patrol features and autonomous mine countermeasures systems. No customer or contract details were disclosed. The platform is intended to address regional mine warfare requirements.
Why it matters: Saab is designing for the Baltic's shallow, cluttered waters—this is a signal that mine warfare has moved from niche to mainstream in Nordic naval planning.
Five Nordic defense and technology firms—Ericsson, Kongsberg, Nokia, Patria and Saab—have established a new Defence Track under the Nordic Compass industry alliance. The consortium will present its first joint project proposals in November 2026, pooling capabilities across communications, systems integration and platforms.
Why it matters: Nordic industrial consolidation is starting to look serious; if this group can move from white papers to shared programs faster than Europe's usual pace, it could set a new benchmark for cross-border defense cooperation.
New Zealand will acquire 26 Saab Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems for delivery in 2027, replacing M3 systems that are approaching the end of their service lives. The M4 is lighter and shorter than the M3, and compatible with a wider range of ammunition types. The deal continues New Zealand's long-standing use of the Swedish recoilless rifle family.
Finland placed an initial order with Saab for the RBS 70 NG short-range air defence system under a newly signed framework contract with the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command. One source reports the order is valued at $126 million. The RBS 70 NG is the latest generation of Saab's shoulder-launched surface-to-air missile family, extending Finland's use of Swedish ground-based air defence systems.
Why it matters: Finland is accelerating SHORAD procurement as it absorbs NATO air-defence doctrine and confronts a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia.
SaabFinnish Defence Forces Logistics CommandFinland EDR Magazine →UK Defence Journal →Army Technology →
Saab's Gripen F, the twin-seat version of the Gripen E, completed its maiden flight at 09:40 local time on 28 August from the company's Linköping airfield. The two-seater offers additional operational flexibility and is seen as particularly relevant for future operations alongside unmanned aircraft, where a second crew member can manage drone coordination.
Why it matters: The second seat is for the loyal-wingman operator — Gripen F is Saab's bid to prove manned-unmanned teaming works in a light fighter the size Sweden can afford to build at scale.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence signed a multi-year framework agreement with Saab for Barracuda Mobile Camouflage Systems. The first order covers Fennek reconnaissance vehicles and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. Deliveries begin in coming years; total framework value not disclosed.
Saab has renewed its Gripen fighter pitch to Canada as US-Canada trade tariffs complicate Ottawa's potential acquisition of American platforms, Shephard Media reports. Saab has seen a surge in Gripen and GlobalEye orders, including a recent agreement to provide GlobalEye airborne early warning systems to Canada.
A Swedish Gripen C fired a KEPD-350 Taurus long-range cruise missile for the first time, Opex360 reports. Despite Saab's involvement in developing the missile alongside MBDA Deutschland, Sweden only ordered Taurus in 2024 after the war in Ukraine prompted the ministry to acquire deep-strike capabilities.
Saab displayed an A3-001 collaborative combat aircraft mock-up at a Swedish event, describing it as a concept for the 2030s. The company says the A3 could enter service within ten years if the Swedish government proceeds. Two earlier demonstrators, A1 and A2, are scheduled to fly before the end of the decade. The A3 is envisioned as a production-representative loyal wingman for Gripen E.
Why it matters: Sweden is now the third European nation with a named loyal-wingman programme – but the ten-year timeline suggests Stockholm is waiting to see if the UK, France, or Germany deliver first.
Saab has displayed a full-scale model of a potential new collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), which the Swedish company refers to as an Autonomous Combat Platform (ACP). The concept was shown publicly for the first time.