Sweden has unveiled a swarm of aerial drones to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ intelligence and surveillance capabilities. The initiative was announced by Defense Minister Pal Jonson during a press conference on January 15. Developed in partnership with Saab and Swedish military entities, the drones feature advanced software and sensors for efficient coordination and communication. This cutting-edge technology has attracted attention from NATO allies, underscoring its strategic value. The development marks a significant advancement in Sweden’s defense innovation and global military technology leadership. Original news
Category: Sweden
Sweden Joins NATO Efforts to Bolster Baltic Sea Security
Sweden has pledged to support NATO’s enhanced naval presence in the Baltic Sea by contributing up to three warships, one ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, and four coast guard ships. This commitment follows NATO’s recent decision to strengthen its naval posture in response to increased Russian activities in the region. Finnish media report that NATO may deploy up to ten warships to protect critical underwater infrastructure. Meanwhile, Estonia’s navy has intensified patrols in the Gulf of Finland as Finland investigates suspected sabotage of the Estlink 2 submarine cable, allegedly involving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet.’ Sweden’s participation underscores its commitment to regional security […]
Lithuania prepares acquisition of CV90 vehicles from BAE Systems Hägglunds
Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence has entered talks with BAE Systems Hägglunds for the acquisition of CV90 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and closer collaboration with Sweden’s defense industry. Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė emphasized the vehicles’ importance in achieving Full Operational Capability for Lithuania’s national division by 2030. To support the purchase, Lithuania has approved raising its defense borrowing limit to €800 million in 2024. The country also plans to join a joint IFV acquisition program with Finland, Sweden, and Norway, pending agreements on industrial cooperation among the nations. With negotiations expected to conclude by the end of 2025, this […]
Germany launches Taurus cruise missile modernisation programme
Germany is set to modernize its Taurus KEPD 350 cruise missile inventory starting in 2025, nearly 20 years after its introduction in 2005. The upgrade will prepare the missiles, currently integrated with Panavia Tornado aircraft, for use with the Eurofighter as the Tornado fleet retires by 2030. Developed by Germany’s MBDA and Sweden’s Saab Dynamics, the Taurus boasts a 480kg warhead and a range of over 500km. The system has also been exported to South Korea and Spain for integration with their Boeing F-15K and F-18 aircraft. This modernization effort reflects Germany’s commitment to maintaining advanced long-range strike capabilities. Original […]
Saab explores new markets for its live-training simulation
Saab’s Training and Simulation unit is expanding its Gamer live-training system to include maritime applications and broaden its user base. At the 2024 I/ITSEC conference in Orlando, Hans Lindgren, Saab’s head of business development, showcased the system’s indirect fire simulation, now ready for deployment to the Royal Netherlands Army. Saab is also enhancing the system to simulate loitering munitions and beyond-line-of-sight weapons, attracting interest from multiple customers. The Gamer system has integrated live drone capabilities, currently used by the British Army for experimentation, with Saab hinting at an upcoming new customer. These advancements highlight Saab’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, realistic […]
Hanwha Aerospace to supply artillery propellant charges for Swedish Army’s Archer howitzers
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a contract with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to supply propellant charges for Sweden’s Archer artillery system. This deal addresses immediate ammunition shortages caused by heightened global demand following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Propellant charges, critical for launching artillery shells, have been in limited supply due to increased production pressures worldwide. FMV’s Strategic Buyer, Olle Oswald, emphasized that while Sweden is developing long-term supply chain solutions with neighboring countries, Hanwha’s support will meet urgent short-term needs. The agreement underscores growing defense cooperation between Sweden and South Korea and ensures the operational readiness […]
Sweden signs USD31 million Sea Giraffe deal with Saab
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a SEK340 million ($31 million) contract with Saab to deliver Sea Giraffe 1X radar systems for the Swedish Navy. Announced on December 13, the order includes radars in various configurations for training and installation on surface ships, with deliveries scheduled between 2024 and 2026. The Sea Giraffe 1X is a lightweight 3D AESA radar operating on the X-band, capable of detecting air and surface threats, including drones and sea-skimming missiles, while offering ECCM capabilities. FMV’s naval director, Fredrik Lindén, emphasized the radar’s role in enhancing the navy’s ability to detect and assess threats, […]
Swedish Navy and Saab sign deal on autonomous mine countermeasures vessels
The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has contracted Saab to supply the Swedish Navy with AUV62-MR autonomous underwater vehicles for mine countermeasures missions. These advanced AUVs map seabeds and produce high-resolution sonar images to identify underwater objects, enhancing operational effectiveness while minimizing risks to personnel. Mats Wicksell, head of Saab’s Kockums division, highlighted the importance of these systems in strengthening the navy’s current capabilities and supporting future operations. Meanwhile, the UK’s Royal Navy is testing similar autonomous mine countermeasures vessels, with plans for calibration and reintroduction by 2025. This collaboration reflects a growing trend toward integrating advanced autonomous technologies into naval […]
Saab to Deliver Giraffe 4A Radars to US Air Forces Europe
Saab has secured a $48-million contract from BAE Systems to supply Giraffe 4A radar systems to the U.S. Air Forces in Europe, with deliveries beginning in 2027. The Giraffe 4A, launched in 2021, offers 3D long-range surveillance and air defense capabilities, including 360-degree coverage and a range of up to 300 kilometers. Erik Smith, Saab’s U.S. President and CEO, emphasized the radar’s role in modernizing airfield surveillance and addressing critical sensing needs for overseas operations. The system is designed to detect drones, missiles, and high-speed aircraft, with flexible configurations for mobile or stationary use, remote operation, and a high mast […]
Saab to supply Giraffe radars to US Air Force in Europe
Saab will deliver multiple Giraffe 4A radar systems to the US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) under a $48 million contract from BAE Systems, with deliveries starting in 2027. The systems will enhance long-range surveillance and air base defense in a mobile configuration for USAFE operations. USAFE oversees seven main air bases in Europe, including Poland’s 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask. This base hosted 12 F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron in 2022, reflecting its strategic importance. The radar deployment underscores ongoing efforts to bolster U.S. and allied air defense capabilities in Europe. Original news
Nordic countries discuss joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV IFVs
Nordic Defence Cooperation members, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden, are exploring a joint procurement of CV90 Mk IV infantry fighting vehicles. According to BAE Systems Hägglunds Managing Director Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, the discussions are in early stages but could result in the purchase of several hundred vehicles. Lithuania may also participate in the procurement effort, broadening regional collaboration. This initiative underscores a collective push to enhance military capabilities across the Nordic and Baltic regions. The potential joint purchase highlights the importance of regional defense partnerships in modernizing ground forces. Original news
BAE Signs $2.5 Billion In New CV90 Combat Vehicle Deals With Sweden, Denmark
BAE Systems has secured a $2.5 billion deal to deliver CV90 combat vehicles to Sweden and Denmark, with provisions to supply additional vehicles to Ukraine funded by the two countries. Denmark will receive 115 CV9035MkIIICs, while Sweden will get 50 upgraded units under a three-party framework agreement. Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, Managing Director of BAE Systems Hägglunds, highlighted the vehicles’ enhanced mobility, protection, lethality, and situational awareness for armed forces. The CV9035MkIIIC features a new turret offering advanced design and functionality. This follows BAE Systems’ $2.2 billion agreement in May 2023 to supply 246 CV90s to the Czech Republic. Original news
Saab unveils new counter-drone trainer, taking lessons from Ukraine
Saab unveiled a new counter-unmanned aerial systems (c-UAS) training system at I/ITSEC in Orlando, designed to enhance soldier preparedness against UAV threats. The system integrates with Saab’s EXCON live tactical training system and employs a MILES-type sensor array on a UAV to simulate aerial threats. Saab spokesperson Magnus Palmer highlighted its cost-effectiveness, describing the module as an add-on to existing training systems. The training capability reflects lessons from the conflict in Ukraine, where drones have been widely deployed by both Ukrainian and Russian forces. This innovation addresses the growing need for anti-drone preparedness in modern warfare. Original news
‘Too early’ to rule out China-Russia cooperation in Baltic seabed cable incident, says Pentagon official
A Pentagon official, Iris Ferguson, expressed concerns over the recent damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, noting suspicious circumstances possibly involving a Chinese vessel and raising questions about potential ties to Russia. The incident, involving the Chinese ship Yi Peng 3 reportedly damaging cables near Sweden and Denmark, is under investigation, with no definitive conclusions about whether the act was deliberate. Both China and Russia have denied involvement, though European officials have highlighted the growing threat of hybrid activities in the region. The U.S. and its allies have increased focus on protecting undersea infrastructure, emphasizing its importance in […]
SIPRI Reports Increase In Global Arms Sales
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reported a 4.2% increase in arms sales by the world’s 100 largest defense companies in 2023, totaling $632 billion, fueled by wars and regional tensions. U.S. companies, led by Lockheed Martin and RTX, contributed $317 billion, reflecting a 2.5% rise despite a slight decline in Lockheed Martin’s sales. European firms maintained stable sales at $133 billion but saw a surge in orders driven by the Ukraine conflict. SIPRI researcher Lorenzo Scarazzato highlighted that current arms revenues still fall short of reflecting the full demand, suggesting room for future growth. The report underscores growing […]