DefenseSaab Prepares for Potential Surge in Gripen Production Amid Ukraine Talks
Saab is preparing to significantly increase production of its Gripen fighter aircraft if a potential agreement with Ukraine proceeds, CEO Micael Johansson stated on Friday in Sweden.
The comment follows Sweden’s signing of a long-term defense cooperation agreement with Ukraine, which includes the possible export of 100 to 150 Gripen E aircraft. Such a contract would represent the largest single export order for Swedish military aviation.
"It's absolutely no impossibility to dramatically increase the pace if we need to," Johansson told Reuters.
Saab currently builds between 20 and 30 Gripen fighters annually and would need to double that rate to meet Ukrainian requirements. Johansson said the company is evaluating options to expand production capacity, including new sites beyond Sweden and Brazil.
Embraer became a partner of the Swedish manufacturer as part of the contract signed in 2014 with the Brazilian Air Force. An assembly line is in operation at the Brazilian company's facilities and will supply 15 Gripen E fighters.
Gripen E/F sales to date include 60 aircraft for Sweden and 36 for Brazil, with ongoing negotiations to supply 16 to 18 units to Colombia.
Saab also has signed a contract with Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for the delivery of four Gripen E/F fighters to Thailand, valued at approximately SEK 5.3 billion (US$ 556 million). Deliveries are scheduled between 2025 and 2030.
The fighter has been in service since 1996 and has undergone several updates to its systems and avionics.
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