UK, Sweden sign future combat aircraft MoU
The UK and Swedish governments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the countries work together to examine possibilities for joint development of future combat aircraft capabilities and combat aircraft systems.
The MoU is the starting point for the UK and Sweden to analyse the conditions for deeper cooperation on the development of future combat aircraft capabilities, including future development of the JAS 39 Gripen.
The ten year agreement does not entail long-term commitments between the countries, but is intended to enable future positions. It also does not prevent the countries from engaging in similar studies and analyses with other partners.
Should Sweden decide to fully initiate a bilateral development and procurement project, additional agreements will need to be signed.
Sweden’s current combat aircraft system, the JAS 39 Gripen, will be the backbone of Swedish combat aircraft capabilities for the foreseeable future. This collaboration offers the opportunity to further insert advanced technologies into JAS 39 Gripen.
More from Defence Notes
-
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.