Stockholm, February 19 - Saab, the renowned Swedish aerospace and defense company, is advancing ambitious plans to develop the successor to the JAS 39 Gripen fighter jet, one of the world's most versatile and cost-effective multirole combat aircraft. Through its Koncept för Framtida Stridsflyg (KFS), or Future Combat Aircraft Concept program, Saab is working closely with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to explore next-generation fighter technologies. This initiative builds on the proven success of the Gripen E/F series, which features advanced avionics, supercruise capability, and exceptional operational flexibility. Rather than pursuing a direct one-for-one replacement, Saab envisions a sophisticated system-of-systems approach that integrates manned and unmanned platforms to meet evolving air combat requirements.
Recent contracts awarded to Saab, including a significant extension through 2027 valued at approximately SEK 2.6 billion, emphasize conceptual studies, technology maturation, and demonstrator development. These efforts focus on manned-unmanned teaming, artificial intelligence integration, and low-observable features to enhance survivability and lethality in contested environments. Saab has already conducted test flights incorporating AI agents on the Gripen platform, demonstrating autonomous decision-making in beyond-visual-range scenarios. This progressive work positions the program to deliver innovative solutions that maintain Sweden's strategic independence in air defense while addressing future threats from advanced adversaries.
A key milestone on the horizon is the planned first flight of a fighter-sized unmanned demonstrator in 2027, which will validate critical technologies such as collaborative combat aircraft concepts and advanced sensor fusion. This phase marks a shift from theoretical research to practical airborne testing, providing essential data to inform government decisions expected around 2030. Saab's approach prioritizes modularity, rapid upgrades, and interoperability, drawing from decades of experience with the Gripen family to ensure the next platform remains adaptable and economically sustainable over its lifecycle.
By investing in these forward-looking capabilities, Saab aims to secure Sweden's air superiority well into the mid-21st century. The program underscores the company's commitment to innovation in fighter aircraft development, ensuring that the successor to the JAS 39 Gripen will uphold the legacy of affordability, reliability, and high performance that has made the Gripen a preferred choice for air forces worldwide. As global demand for advanced combat solutions grows, Saab's strategic vision promises to shape the future of European fighter technology.