Assessing Saab’s future as an independent combat aircraft developer
Saab’s Gripen E/F aircraft is the latest offering from the aircraft developer. (Photo: Saab)
Can Sweden’s Saab continue to go it alone in the fighter jet market, or could it boost its profile by forging new partnerships?
Among the multi-national sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes and the F-35’s dominance in recent European fighter competitions, Saab and its flagship Gripen seem to have fallen by the wayside.
Dassault has long been the poster child for independent fast jet design and development. Continuing a long tradition of French national focus amid mixed relationships with allies, the company has worked primarily for domestic air arms and shaped its products accordingly.
There are both benefits and hazards to this approach. The government must believe the economic impact of a domestic supply chain offsets footing the entire development and production bill. Yet, the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance]()
Trump’s drone directives win US industry support but questions remain over ability to challenge Chinese market dominance
New presidential directives for UAV production are intended to remove bureaucratic barriers and support suppliers.
-
![Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training]()
Enhancing education: How CAE is embracing new technology to boost military training
In Conversation... Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to CAE's Marc-Olivier Sabourin about how the training and simulation industry can help militaries achieve essential levels of readiness by leveraging new technology, innovative procurement methods and a truly collaborative approach.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry]()
Paris Air Show 2025: New capabilities, partnerships and next-gen programmes remain priority for industry
As European countries increase their defence budgets, the Paris Air Show will look to how the aerospace industry’s responds, with programme progression, new technology and industrial partnerships all expected to take centre stage at Le Bourget.
-
![Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution]()
Paris Air Show 2025: Airbus Helicopters unveils new crewed-uncrewed teaming solution
The solution, named HTeaming, has already been tested in flight with a Spanish Navy H135 helicopter and an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
