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.