In a significant move to bolster its national air defense, the Swedish Armed Forces have solidified a long-term partnership with Saab, extending a critical support and maintenance agreement for the Gripen fighter jet fleet. The newly inked order, valued at approximately 4 billion Swedish Kronor, ensures the operational excellence of both the current Gripen C/D models and the next-generation Gripen E aircraft.
This comprehensive agreement, covering the period from 2026 to 2027, is more than a simple contract renewal; it represents a strategic commitment to maintaining Sweden’s tactical air superiority for years to come. The deal includes a robust framework for technical system support, guaranteed access to spare parts, advanced repair services, and specialized training for Air Force personnel. Furthermore, it encompasses all additional service and maintenance work essential for sustaining intensive flight operations.
A key aspect of the contract is its built-in flexibility for future needs. It contains structured options that allow the Swedish Armed Forces to place supplementary orders for support and maintenance until 2029. This provision ensures that the military can dynamically adapt to evolving operational demands and technological updates without undergoing a new procurement process.
Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics, emphasized the core objective of the partnership. “This contract extension is fundamentally about guaranteeing operational readiness,” Tossman stated. “Our mission is to ensure a consistently high level of availability for the Gripen fleet, delivering the precise and rapid support the Swedish Air Force requires to maintain its peak defensive posture. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to national security.”
For the Swedish Air Force, this agreement translates to predictable costs and sustained high performance for its frontline fighter aircraft. The certainty of support allows for more effective long-term mission planning and pilot training schedules. For Saab, the contract not only secures a stable revenue stream but also serves as a powerful endorsement of the Gripen platform’s reliability and the company’s ability to provide world-class lifecycle management. This domestic success story also strengthens Saab’s position as it markets the Gripen system to other nations, demonstrating a proven, long-term support model directly from its country of origin.
