Saab has inked an agreement with the Swedish government to conduct conceptual studies for future fighter systems.
Under the company’s deal with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the effort will focus on developing and demonstrating manned and unmanned solutions.
Saab said the government contract requires close partnership with the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Research Agency, GKN Aerospace and other industry players.
According to Lars Tossman, head of the aeronautics business at Saab, the collaborative effort will use the technology behind the Gripen E and GlobalEye platforms to advance the future fighter concept.
“We will continue delivering innovative solutions to meet the future operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and other customers,” Tossman said.
To inform its work on the project, Saab plans to work with experts on emerging and disruptive technologies, which the company said will be critical in the development of modern combat aircraft systems.
The company will also explore how the latest capabilities from Sweden’s Defense Innovation Initiative and NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic could help its research and development work.
The new contract is expected to support Sweden’s recent decision to focus on evaluating the risks and possibilities associated with the development of a future combat fighter, Breaking Defense reported.
Saab’s effort will likely help Stockholm decide if it wants to build a new fighter system, develop one with partners or simply procure a suitable platform, the report added.