Sweden will enhance the air defense of its Visby class corvettes with Lockheed Martin’s three-cell Extensible Launching System (ExLS) for firing CAMM missiles. The upgrade was announced at the Sea Air Space 2025 exhibition by Lockheed’s launching systems director. The ExLS, developed with MBDA, also allows integration of other munitions and decoys for expanded versatility. Installation of CAMM and the Sea Ceptor system on the first corvette is set to start this year. Completion of the integration process is expected within 12 months. Original news
Category: Sweden
Saab Confirms Full-Capability Gripen Offered to All Export Customers
Saab has affirmed that all export customers of the Gripen fighter jet receive the same advanced capabilities as Sweden, its primary operator. The statement was made in response to former President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks suggesting a “dumbed-down” export version of the F-47 NGAD jet. Saab emphasized that there is no reduced-performance Gripen for international buyers. The aircraft can be customized to meet specific operational needs, but the base offering remains fully equipped. The company reiterated its commitment to transparency in dealings with global partners. Original news
Czech Republic Considers Discounted Gripen Lease Extension Ahead of F-35 Transition
The Czech Republic is reviewing a new lease extension offer from Sweden for its fleet of Gripen C/D fighter jets. The proposed agreement, running from 2027 to 2035, is intended to bridge the gap until the arrival of F-35s beginning in 2031. The revised deal includes a 25% discount, bringing the cost to 16.65 billion CZK ($732 million). It covers maintenance, pilot training, and continued operation of 12 Gripen aircraft. An additional 3.9 billion CZK may be allocated for potential modernization efforts. Original news
Saab Confident in Securing Colombia Gripen Fighter Jet Deal
Saab is optimistic about finalizing a deal to supply Colombia with JAS 39 Gripen combat aircraft. Saab CEO Micael Johansson stated there is a “very high probability” of success, citing Colombia’s public declaration of their selection. The deal’s value remains undisclosed and will depend on the number of aircraft purchased and associated services like training and maintenance. Colombia plans to buy between 16 and 24 Gripens, having considered alternatives from Dassault and Lockheed Martin. Saab sees this potential agreement as a gateway to further business in South America. Original news
Sweden Moves Forward with Joint C-390 Aircraft Procurement
Sweden is progressing with plans to acquire four Embraer C-390 transport aircraft as part of a joint procurement effort with Austria and the Netherlands. The announcement was made at the LAAD Defence & Security exhibition following a memorandum of understanding signed on March 28. Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson emphasized that the collaborative approach enables faster and more cost-efficient delivery. The move builds on Sweden’s earlier decision in November to select the C-390 to replace its aging fleet of Lockheed Martin KC/C-130H aircraft. The deal reflects growing European defense cooperation aimed at streamlining modernization efforts. Original news
Sweden Unveils Record $1.6 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Sweden has announced its largest-ever military aid package to Ukraine, worth 16 billion kronor ($1.6 billion), aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s defenses against Russia. The aid will primarily fund new defense orders from Swedish and European manufacturers, while also supporting Ukraine’s domestic arms industry. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson stressed the urgency of increased support from Western allies. About 70% of the aid is expected to be delivered to Ukraine within the year. The package includes ground support vehicles to maintain operational readiness of F-16 fighter jets stationed at Ukrainian air bases. Original news
Sweden Tests Saab’s Tp 47 Lightweight Torpedo on Small and Unmanned Vessels
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab have tested the new Tp 47 lightweight torpedo from small, unconventional platforms, including a Combat Boat 90 and an unmanned surface vessel (USV). These trials aim to assess the torpedo’s compatibility with non-traditional naval craft. The Tp 47 is a next-generation, 400 mm wire-guided torpedo designed for the unique environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea. FMV confirmed collaboration with Saab and the Swedish Armed Forces to explore broader deployment of the torpedo on smaller naval platforms. The initiative reflects Sweden’s efforts to enhance flexibility and capability in littoral warfare. Original news
Saab Integrates AI Co-Pilot in Gripen E, Reveals Next-Gen Drone Development
Saab is preparing to equip its Gripen E combat aircraft with an advanced AI agent developed in partnership with European defense AI company Helsing to assist pilots in beyond-visual-range (BVR) air combat. The AI system has been trained on data equivalent to 1.2 million flight hours—about 140 years of BVR training—using high-performance GPUs. While specific pilot-assist functions remain undisclosed, the AI may suggest optimal missile engagement maneuvers, such as cranking, to improve kill probability. Saab, a 5% stakeholder in Helsing, is also progressing with an uncrewed demonstrator aircraft, codenamed Ruby, developed through additive manufacturing and powered by a GE J85 […]
Sweden Boosts Air Defense with New Meteor Missile Deal for Gripen Jets
Sweden’s FMV has signed a third procurement agreement with MBDA for Meteor missiles to equip the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets. The missiles will be delivered by MBDA UK through the international Meteor program, with deliveries beginning in 2025. FMV’s Martin Anderberg emphasized that the deal strengthens Sweden’s national and NATO-integrated air defense capabilities. MBDA CEO Éric Béranger highlighted increased production to meet surging demand, noting the company’s €37 billion backlog. He described the current climate as a “historic” era for European rearmament. Original news
Sweden’s prime minister says that buying US weapons is not a security risk
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stated that purchasing U.S. weapons does not pose a security risk but emphasized the need for Europe to lessen its reliance on American defense equipment. His remarks come as Canada reviews its Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet contract amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S. Speaking at an EU summit in Brussels, Kristersson called for bolstering Europe’s own defense industry. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas echoed the urgency of action, urging European leaders to increase support for Ukraine. Her call follows a brief pause in U.S. intelligence sharing and arms shipments to Kyiv. Original […]
Saab Develops Counter-Drone System for Sweden in Record Time
Saab has collaborated with Sweden’s Defense Materiel Agency (FMV) to develop the Loke counter-drone system in just three months. Loke integrates Saab’s Giraffe 1X surveillance radar, a lightweight command-and-control system, and the Trackfire remote weapon system for rapid threat detection and engagement. The system is designed to counter evolving drone threats, enhancing Sweden’s air defense capabilities. Saab’s rapid development highlights the growing urgency for counter-UAV solutions amid increasing drone warfare. The company has not yet disclosed potential export opportunities for the Loke system. Original news
U.S. B-52s Train in Sweden for Precision Strikes Amid NATO Expansion
Two U.S. B-52H Stratofortresses conducted live guided bomb drops in Sweden as part of the Viking Nebula mission, marking Sweden’s first NATO membership anniversary. The exercise included coordination with Swedish JAS 39 Gripens and U.S.-Swedish joint terminal attack controllers, demonstrating air-ground precision strike capabilities. The B-52s, deployed from Minot Air Force Base and stationed at RAF Fairford, England, are training with NATO allies to deter Russian aggression. As part of a separate mission, a B-52 escorted by two F-35s performed a low pass over Oslo, Norway, reinforcing NATO’s military presence in the region. The drills highlight Sweden’s increasing integration into […]
Sweden to supply 18 additional Archer self-propelled howitzers to Ukraine
Sweden has approved the procurement of 18 Archer artillery systems for Ukraine, as part of its ongoing military aid efforts. The SEK 3 billion package, managed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), also includes five Arthur counter-battery radar systems to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield effectiveness. Sweden is collaborating with Denmark to fund additional 155mm artillery ammunition or Bohdana artillery systems, strengthening Ukraine’s defense industry. Additionally, Sweden plans to join the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s artillery coalition to improve artillery interoperability with NATO. The Arthur radar systems will be delivered in 2025, while Archer howitzers will arrive in 2026. Original news
Clavister Wins $6.5M Cybersecurity Contract for CV90 Infantry Fighting Vehicles
Clavister has secured a SEK 68 million ($6.5 million) contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds to integrate CyberArmour cybersecurity solutions into CV90 infantry fighting vehicles for a Nordic country. The three-year agreement, with initial deliveries set for 2027, includes an option to expand the contract to SEK 96 million ($9.2 million). Clavister will provide its CyberArmour RSG-400 and RSW-400 models, offering AI-powered firewall protection for enhanced battlefield cybersecurity. BAE Systems Hägglunds, which designs the CV90, is upgrading the vehicle’s digital architecture, making cybersecurity a key priority. Clavister CEO John Vestberg highlighted the critical role of cyber defense in modern military operations, […]
Sweden Deploys Gripen Jets to Poland for First NATO Air-Defense Mission
Sweden will send Saab Gripen combat aircraft to Poland, marking its first overseas air-defense deployment in support of NATO operations. Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced on March 6 that the Swedish Air Force will deploy up to eight Gripens for two NATO air-defense missions, including protection for Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine. This mission represents the first time Swedish combat aircraft will participate in NATO Air Policing from allied territory, with operations set for April to June 2025. In addition to the Gripens, Sweden will also contribute Saab 340/ASC 890 Erieye early warning aircraft, S 102B Korpen intelligence-gathering planes, […]