Saab wins Sweden’s 1 billion Swedish crowns contract to develop weapon launchers for Gripen C/D and E

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Saab contract for Gripen weapon launchers (Gripen C/D and E)

Yesterday, Saab confirmed that Sweden has awarded the company a new contract worth 1 billion Swedish crowns to develop new weapon launchers for its Gripen C/D and E fighter jets. The award was detailed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).

According to the official information released, the order specifically covers series production of the launchers, under an existing contract for developing the system and integrating it into the aircraft.

Read more: Fire Point brings together European industry giants to boost production of the FP-7X Freya anti-ballistic interceptor.

Commenting on the announcement, Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s aeronautics business area, said: “The launch system is an important part of ensuring the continued availability of the Gripen and supporting the capabilities of the Swedish Air Force”.

These launch systems are responsible for carrying the air-to-air missiles and the countermeasure pods currently used by Gripen fighters across their various versions. They are fitted to the aircraft’s pylons and interface with the jet through a sophisticated linking system between the aircraft and its armament.

Gripen E enters Swedish Air Force service

This development comes just days after the Swedish Air Force announced the delivery and induction of its first Gripen E, a milestone that sets the course for a future fleet of 60 aircraft that the service expects to acquire.

As we reported on 21 October, the aircraft appeared as part of an official ceremony held at Skaraborg Air Base, which will be the future home of the type, attended by Defence Minister Pål Jonson.

With this step, Swedish fighter aviation adds a platform noted for the new Raven ES-05 AESA radar and the new General Electric F414G engine, along with new electronic warfare and communications systems, and the ability to add further components thanks to its modular design.

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Wider outlook: Ukraine interest and the Framtida Stridsflygsystem

Separately, it is worth noting that Saab is facing the prospect of a significant potential order for Gripen fighters from the Ukrainian Air Force, which, according to reports, is seeking to acquire up to 150 aircraft to strengthen and modernise its fleet.

Although no purchase agreement has yet been confirmed, Stockholm and Kyiv have already signed the relevant Letter of Intent, representing the first formal step towards acquisition. This indicates that preliminary technical evaluations have already been completed.

Finally, looking more broadly at the future of Swedish combat aviation, it is important to highlight that the Air Force and Saab are advancing work on a fighter aircraft that would eventually replace the Gripen.

This is the conceptual programme known as Framtida Stridsflygsystem. The most recent developments point to an intention to field a technology demonstrator capable of flying by 2027. Such progress would be supported by investments like the latest contract extension, which would reach 2.676 billion Swedish crowns and was announced by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).

Images used for illustrative purposes.

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