The Swedish government announced plans to provide substantial funding for the production of long-range missiles and drones in Ukraine, emphasizing its commitment to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Defense Minister Pål Jonson stated that “Ukraine is Sweden’s number one security priority,” highlighting the importance of this initiative. Sweden has already contributed military aid worth 48.4 billion Swedish krona ($4.37 billion) and pledged an additional 25 billion krona ($2.28 billion) for 2025 and 2026. While Sweden is prepared to offer Saab Gripen fighter jets, Jonson noted this has been deferred to prioritize Ukraine’s integration of F-16 aircraft with allied support. Instead, Sweden […]
Category: Sweden
Sweden takes delivery of first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system
Sweden has received its first M3 amphibious bridge and ferry system from General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS). This delivery is part of four batches ordered, positioning Sweden as the third major NATO user of the M3 system alongside Germany and the UK. The M3 can serve as a floating bridge or ferry capable of transporting heavy main battle tanks across gaps up to 400 meters wide. GDELS highlights the M3 as NATO’s fastest solution for wet gap crossings, adaptable to other pontoon bridge systems like the IRB and SRB. Sweden’s adoption of the M3 is expected to significantly enhance […]
Sweden selects Embraer cargo plane, Brazil plans to buy more Saab fighters
Sweden has chosen Embraer’s C-390 Millennium as its new military cargo aircraft, while Brazil intends to expand its order of Gripen fighter jets from Swedish company Saab. This decision was formalized through a letter of intent signed by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson and Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Mucio following in-depth discussions. Sweden’s replacement of its older Lockheed Martin C-130 fleet with the C-390 marks a deepening defense partnership with Brazil. Originally contracting for 36 Gripen jets in 2010, Brazil now seeks to increase this order by 25%. Embraer’s defense chief, Bosco da Costa Junior, praised Sweden’s choice, emphasizing the […]
Colombia Set to Finalize Major Contract with Saab for Gripen Fighters
Colombia is advancing plans to modernize its air fleet by finalizing a deal to purchase JAS Gripen fighter jets from Saab, valued at approximately 3 billion euros. This acquisition, aimed at replacing the aging Kfir aircraft, is critical to improving Colombia’s air defense capabilities and reducing high maintenance costs. Saab’s Gripen E, chosen over competitors like the Rafale and F-16, offers advanced features, including electronic warfare systems and low operational costs. The deal may also include a technology partnership that supports local economic growth and strengthens Colombia’s ties with Sweden and Brazil. This decision aligns with Saab’s growing presence in […]
Saab to launch next-generation electronic warfare sensor for naval warfare
Saab has introduced the U/SME-400, a new electronic support measure (ESM) tailored for naval warfare, suitable for both surface and undersea vessels. This system is developed in response to the increasing prevalence of multi-vessel threat scenarios and the complexities of dense radar environments. The U/SME-400 is specifically designed to operate effectively in challenging conditions where radars are becoming smarter and harder to detect. Its dual functionality enhances the capabilities of naval forces, addressing modern electronic warfare challenges. This launch reflects Saab’s commitment to advancing naval defense technology in an evolving battlefield landscape. Original news
Netherlands plans to procure Mjölner 120 mm armoured mortar vehicles
The Netherlands plans to acquire CV90 Mjölner 120 mm armored mortar vehicles to strengthen its mortar capabilities. These CV90 vehicles will feature dual-barrel 120 mm mortar turrets. They will also be equipped with advanced artillery fire-control systems similar to those on the Royal Netherlands Army’s Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled howitzers. This acquisition reflects the Netherlands’ commitment to modernizing its military technology and increasing artillery precision. The news was revealed at the Future Mortar Systems 2024 conference in London. Original news
MilDef to supply computers for operator stations for CV90s
MilDef’s recent SEK200 million contract with BAE Systems Hägglunds marks a significant step in enhancing the CV90 combat vehicles with ruggedized IT equipment. This partnership will equip Central European forces with advanced operator stations, with deliveries spanning from 2025 to 2029. With options, the contract’s total value could rise to SEK280 million, reflecting MilDef’s growing role in European defense modernization. The CV90’s success across 10 nations, notably in Afghanistan and Ukraine, underscores its battlefield reliability, further strengthening the vehicle’s appeal. MilDef’s ongoing support, including a recent contract with Norway, positions them as a key technology provider in European defense initiatives. […]
Saab posts strong Q3 results
Swedish defense company Saab reported a strong third quarter, with a 41% increase in orders driven by high demand across all business sectors and an anticipated 15-20% sales growth in 2024. CEO Micael Johansson highlighted the need for European nations to replenish defense stocks, contributing to robust international sales, which made up 80% of Q3 orders, with notable growth in the Dynamics sector. Saab is scaling up production through investments in capacity and automation while delivering growth and improved profitability. While Aeronautics sales rose 6% over Q3 2023, production challenges with the T-7 trainer aircraft in the U.S. continue to […]
Sikorsky Awarded $1.24 Billion For UH-60M Black Hawk Deliveries
Sikorsky has secured a $1.24 billion contract modification from the U.S. Army for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for Austria, Brazil, Sweden, Greece, and Thailand. The project is set for completion by the end of 2027. This agreement follows a previous five-year, $2.3 billion contract in June 2022 to deliver 120 H-60M Black Hawks. Potentially extending further, this 10th multi-year contract could reach $4.4 billion, covering over 250 helicopters, including FMS requests. This move aligns with the U.S. Army’s recent aviation strategy shift, reallocating resources from the canceled Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program to additional Black […]
UK, Sweden Join European Ground-Launched Cruise Missile Effort
Sweden has officially joined the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, formalizing its participation with a letter of intent signed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The decision was announced after a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, with Jonson emphasizing the importance of long-range strike capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The ELSA initiative, launched in June 2024 by France, Germany, and Poland, aims to develop a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. European defense company MBDA is expected to lead the missile’s development if the project moves forward. The United Kingdom also recently joined […]
Saab profit rises, sees sales growth at upper end of forecast range
Swedish defense manufacturer Saab reported higher-than-expected third-quarter operating earnings of 1.19 billion crowns, surpassing last year’s 859 million and analyst predictions of 1.14 billion. The company reaffirmed its forecast for strong sales growth, expecting a 15-20% organic rise in 2024, with earnings increasing at an even higher rate. Saab benefits from the global demand for military hardware, driven by tensions such as Russia’s war in Ukraine, and Sweden’s NATO accession. Its order bookings rose by 41% year-on-year, with a growing order backlog of 190 billion crowns. Saab is cooperating with a U.S. Department of Justice request regarding Brazil’s 2014 Gripen […]
4 Nordic nations in talks for joint procurement of infantry fighting vehicles
The Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden are considering a joint procurement of a next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) to replace their current fleets, aiming for acquisition between 2030 and 2040. Discussions among the nations, which already use BAE Systems’ CV90, are focused on reducing procurement costs, easing development and maintenance, and enhancing supply chain efficiencies. Maj. Gen. Lars Lervik of Norway and Maj. Gen. Jonny Lindfors of Sweden highlighted the benefits of a shared platform to ensure interoperability and support regional defense. While the CV90 is a strong contender, other manufacturers are being considered for the new […]
In ‘war of industrial capacity,’ West shouldn’t go 1-to-1 on ammo with Russia: Nammo CEO
A leading European ammunition manufacturer, Nammo, suggests that competing with Russian artillery production by quantity is futile, emphasizing the importance of quality through advanced technology such as precision and longer-range capabilities. Nammo CEO Morten Brandtzaeg highlighted that Europe and the US produce 1.2 million shells annually, far below Russia’s three million, but stressed Europe’s focus on increasing production capacity with government support. Countries like Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany have taken significant steps in bolstering local industry through subsidies. The European Union’s Act in Support of Ammunition Production (ASAP), pledging €500 million, aims to help Europe meet a production target […]
Saab secures additional mobile air defence order from Lithuania
Lithuania has awarded Saab a $116 million contract to deliver a second Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) system, building on an initial order from July 2024. The new system will enhance Lithuania’s defense against short-range air threats, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. This deal strengthens Lithuania’s strategic focus on mobility and rapid response, especially important given its proximity to Belarus and Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave. Saab’s MSHORAD system, which combines the Giraffe 1X radar and RBS 70 NG missile system, offers 360-degree situational awareness and is designed for fast deployment. This partnership highlights Lithuania’s growing defense capabilities as it […]
Lithuania Signs Deals With Saab, Kongsberg For MSHORAD, NASAMS, Air Defense Systems
Lithuania has placed a second order with Saab for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems, valued at SEK 1.2 billion, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. The country had previously placed an order in July, worth SEK 1.3 billion, with deliveries starting next year. Lithuania is also strengthening its air defense by acquiring additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units from Kongsberg, with a €193 million contract for upgrades and new systems. These efforts are part of a broader modernization of Lithuania’s air defense in response to regional security concerns. The contracts follow similar moves by other countries […]