On 2 June Saab had a rollout of the first Gripen F fighter to the Brazilian Air Force during a ceremony held at Saab´s facilities in Linköping, Sweden. The Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E series and has been developed to meet the training and operational requirements of modern air forces by combining conversion training and combat capability on the same platform.
As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co development of the two-seat variant, enabling direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation. Through an extensive transfer-of-technology programme, Brazil has trained hundreds of engineers and technicians while strengthening the advanced design and development expertise within its national industrial base.
“The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years. Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration. It represents not only a highly capable fighter for the Brazilian Air Force, but also the tangible outcome of sustained joint development and shared ambition,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics.
Designed for an era of rapid transformation, Gripen F delivers world-class performance, sensors, and revolutionary architecture, mirroring Gripen E. The addition of a fully independent second cockpit enables instructor-guided missions in a fully operational fighter, giving trainee pilots realistic live mission conditions. Consequently, pilot conversion and preparatory training can be dramatically accelerated compared to conventional time, while enhancing operational effectiveness in high-threat environments through shared workload and improved mission command.
Before final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force the aircraft will be transferred to Saab’s Flight Test Centre in Sweden, where it will start a dedicated flight test campaign. The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government covers the development and production of 36 fighter aircraft: 28 Gripen E and eight Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020 and to date 11 aircraft have been handed over. Saab has also received Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia.
Saab receives order for ground-based air defence solution
Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for sensors and command-and-control systems for a ground-based air defence system (GBAD) solution for the Swedish Army brigades. The order value is approximately SEK 1.2 billion. Deliveries will take place between 2029 and 2030. The command-and-control and sensor systems continue to build on previous deliveries to FMV, strengthening Sweden’s ground-based air defence capability. This contract will provide the end-user with an improved ability to detect and counter advanced aerial threats.
“We are very proud to contribute to strengthening the ground-based air defence capability of the Swedish Army brigades. It will enhance their capability to conduct air defence operations and represents an important recognition of our Giraffe AMB and GBAD command-and-control system, says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
Giraffe AMB delivers key capabilities for short to medium range Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD), creating time to secure freedom of manoeuvre and support air superiority. The combination of a powerful surveillance radar and integrated command-and-control functionality (LSS Lv) provide forces with swift understanding of the air situation, enabling immediate and effective responses to changing threats and new tactics in shifting operational conditions.
Saab awarded order for vehicle tactical engagement simulation system
The U.S. Army has awarded Saab a $22.4 million order within a firm fixed price contract under the Bridge to Evolution Synthetic Training Environment Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems Multiple-Award Contract (BEST MAC). The total potential contract value is $60.8 million over 60 months. Under Lot 2 of the BEST MAC contract, Saab will support the U.S. Army’s Tactical Engagement Simulation Systems (TESS) program through the delivery of Vehicle Tactical Engagement Simulation System (VTESS) Base Kits.
“The VTESS base kits enable the U.S. Army vehicles to participate in force-on-force exercises utilizing a dramatically improved, reliable, soldier friendly system,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S. “Our tech-driven, hands-on training solutions are developed in partnership with our customers – we constantly develop, adopt and improve new technology to meet changing customer needs.”
Managed by the U.S. Army’s Capability Program Executive Simulation, Training, Test and Threat (CPE ST3), the system includes laser detector training kits designed to equip military tactical and non-tactical vehicles for training exercises. These systems enable soldiers to conduct highly realistic live force-on-force training with their existing vehicle platforms and weapons systems. The VTESS solution also seamlessly integrates with the Army’s existing and legacy TESS training equipment.
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