Americké zbrojovky, které tento týden přijely na aerosalon ve Farnborough, aby využily růstu evropských výdajů na obranu, se setkaly s obavami ze závislosti na amerických dodavatelích. Evropské vlády požadují větší kontrolu nad obrannou technikou, vyšší podíl místní výroby a větší zapojení domácího průmyslu. Američtí výrobci zbraní proto v Evropě zakládají společné podniky a nabízejí výrobky více přizpůsobené požadavkům jednotlivých evropských zemí, uvedla dnes agentura Reuters.
"Slyšíme to zcela jasně: Evropané chtějí větší suverenitu a chtějí mít více výrobních a technologických kapacit přímo u sebe,“ uvedl viceprezident americké společnosti Lockheed Martin pro globální rozvoj a strategii Daniel Tenney.
V době, kdy evropské členské státy Severoatlantické aliance a Kanada výrazně zvyšují výdaje na obranu, americké firmy argumentují, že nákup osvědčených amerických zbraňových systémů je rychlejší a levnější než vývoj nových. Současně však slibují lokalizaci výroby i přenos technologií do Evropy.
Společnost Lockheed Martin ve Farnborough představila levnější střelu pro systém protivzdušné obrany Patriot, která má být vyvinuta ve spolupráci s evropskými i americkými partnery. Oznámení přišlo krátce po zveřejnění plánů vyrábět taktické rakety Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) společně s německou společností Rheinmetall.
Divize Raytheon americké společnosti RTX nedávno rovněž oznámila partnerství s evropskými firmami s cílem zvýšit výrobu protiletadlových střel Stinger, včetně jejich finální montáže v Nizozemsku.
Evropské země podle prezidenta divize pozemních a protivzdušných obranných systémů společnosti Raytheon Thomase Lalibertyho těží z využívání široce rozšířených systémů, jako je Patriot. Země, které tento systém provozují, společně financují například databáze hrozeb či další společné schopnosti.
"Z této spolupráce mají značný prospěch,“ uvedl Laliberty.
Na evropském trhu zbrojní techniky se snaží prosadit i nové technologické společnosti. Firma Anduril, která se letos ve Farnborough představila dosud největší expozicí, rozšířila počet zaměstnanců v Británii a dohodla se na zahájení místní výroby střel s plochou dráhou letu Barracuda-500M v Polsku.
"Každá vláda má jiné požadavky na lokalizaci výroby," uvedl ředitel britské pobočky společnosti Anduril Richard Drake.
Část evropských představitelů se však obává, že Spojené státy by v budoucnu mohly být méně ochotné nebo méně schopné dodávat zbraně, náhradní díly či další podporu. Důvodem může být například situace, kdy by americké zbrojovky musely upřednostnit potřeby amerických ozbrojených sil v jiných částech světa.
Podle představitelů obranného průmyslu a odborníků už Evropané nechtějí pouze nakupovat hotové výrobky. Požadují přístup k technologiím, které jim umožní techniku samostatně vyrábět, upravovat i udržovat.
Evropa podle vedoucího partnera poradenské společnosti Boston Consulting Group v Miláně Fabia Dal Pana požaduje významný přenos práv duševního vlastnictví.
Přestože Evropa zůstává na americkém obranném průmyslu stále výrazně závislá, pro americké společnosti představuje riziko možnost, že se trend směřující k větší evropské soběstačnosti stane dlouhodobým. To je podle Toma Waldwyna z londýnského Mezinárodního institutu pro strategická studia (IISS) velmi závažná obava.
Existují přitom systémy, které Evropa nedokáže v krátké době nahradit, například stíhací letouny F-35 nebo protiraketové systémy Patriot. V jiných oblastech však podle analytika společnosti Agency Partners Sashe Tusy evropské alternativy "mohou být dostatečně kvalitní" a současně nabízejí významnou výhodu z hlediska strategické suverenity. V některých případech mohou být i levnější. To se podle něj týká například systémů protivzdušné obrany středního dosahu.
Analytici zároveň upozorňují, že Evropa už v některých segmentech postupně snižuje závislost na americké technice, například v oblasti letounů včasné výstrahy.
NATO nedávno oznámilo plán zhruba za 4,5 miliardy dolarů (95 miliard Kč) na nákup až deseti průzkumných letounů Saab GlobalEye, které mají nahradit stárnoucí stroje AWACS. Aliance tak dala přednost švédskému systému před konkurenční nabídkou amerického výrobce Boeing.
Evropské země se zároveň snaží samostatně vyvíjet některé nové technologie. Britská společnost BAE Systems na veletrhu ve Farnborough představila nový bezpilotní bojový letoun, který britská vláda označila za demonstrátor budoucí operační koncepce. Stalo se tak navzdory tomu, že několik amerických společností už podobné stroje vyvíjí a některé z nich byly ve Farnborough rovněž vystaveny.
Britský program bude zahrnovat více dodavatelů, zároveň však zůstane suverénní, řekl minulý týden agentuře Reuters zástupce velitele britského Královského letectva pro rozvoj schopností a programy Jim Beck.
"My potřebujeme mít právo rozhodovat o tom, jak a kdy budeme s naší technikou nakládat,“ uvedl Beck.
Aerosalon ve Farnborough se koná jednou za dva roky a střídá se s pařížským aerosalonem v Le Bourget. V sudých letech je v Británii, v lichých ve Francii. Jde o dvě nejvýznamnější světové přehlídky letecké techniky zaměřené na obchodní část odvětví, tedy především na kontrakty výrobců letadel, motorů, zbrojních firem a dodavatelů technologií.
Saab AB (publ) (SAABY) Q2 2026 Earnings Call July 17, 2026 4:00 AM EDT
Company Participants
Johan Andersson - Head of Investor Relations
Micael Johansson - President, CEO & Director
Anna Wijkander - Chief Financial Officer
Conference Call Participants
Daniel Djurberg - Handelsbanken Capital Markets AB, Research Division
Ian Douglas-Pennant - UBS Investment Bank, Research Division
Mikael Laséen - DNB Carnegie, Research Division
Jakob Marken - SEB, Research Division
Henric Hintze - ABG Sundal Collier Holding ASA, Research Division
Presentation
Johan Andersson
Head of Investor Relations
Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the presentation of Saab's report for the second quarter 2026. My name is Johan Andersson, responsible for Investor Relations, and I will be the moderator here today.
With me here in Stockholm, we have our CEO, Micael Johansson; and our CFO, Anna Wijkander. Micael and Anna will present the report, and thereafter, we will start with the Q&A session. And remember that you can both ask your questions over the telephone or you can post the questions in the web interface, and I will read them out here in Stockholm.
So with that, a warm welcome, and I will hand over to you, Micael.
Micael Johansson
President, CEO & Director
Thank you, Johan. And also from my side, welcome to the second quarter report. Let's just dive into the highlights immediately. As you've seen, this was another strong quarter with lots of momentum on the business side.
And what's been defining the quarter was, of course, the major contracts that we have received on the submarines in Poland and also the Gripen E version contract with Ukraine, huge sort of breakthroughs and success, of course. And then we are doing extremely well when it comes to improving our way on the operational execution and that drives gross margin and of course, our profitability on the bottom line.
Swedish defence and aerospace group Saab reported a bigger-than-expected rise in operating earnings for the second quarter on Friday as booming demand in its major markets drove a sharp rise in sales and order bookings.
Swedish defense company Saab beat earnings expectations in the second quarter, as booming demand for military equipment propelled the fighter jet maker to another quarter of record orders backlog.
Shares rose as much as 4.5% in early trading in Stockholm, while other major European defense names were in the red.
New order bookings in the quarter ended June were 68.4 billion Swedish crowns ($7.1 billion), above the FactSet estimates of 57.1 billion Swedish crowns, which included a Polish submarine deal worth 47 billion crowns.
The total backlog amounted to 317.7 billion crowns, up from 197.6 billion a year ago and marking a fifth consecutive quarter of order book growth.
It comes as European governments ramp up defense spending, driving up book orders with the region's companies, in response to Russia's growing threat and invasion of Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump's push to shift the responsibility of defending Europe onto the region's own governments – and his threat to withdraw troops from the continent – has hastened this urgency.
"We operate in a market with structurally growing demand and remain focused on scaling capacity, delivering to customers, and advancing new capabilities," said Saab CEO Micael Johansson in a statement.
Investors are increasingly focusing on companies' ability to execute and deliver, as well as growing order books.
Sales came in at 25.5 billion crowns, beating FactSet estimates of 23.9 billion crowns, while operating profit (EBIT) was 2.8 billion crowns, compared to expectations of 2.4 billion crowns.
Saab, whose products range from Gripen fighter jets and submarines to missiles and advanced electronics, has seen exponential order growth since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022.
Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance would order up to 10 spy planes from Saab, in a deal that could be worth nearly $5 billion based on the price of the GlobalEye aircraft.
Even with an ever-growing order book, booming sales, and increasing profitability, Saab stock, like many of its peers, has taken a hit in recent months as investors question whether valuations have run ahead of the industry's ability to deliver.
European defense stocks have fallen this year.
While defense spending remains unequal among European NATO countries, most countries have made progress on increasing the means devoted to military capabilities.
Sweden joined NATO only in 2024, citing Russia's increasing aggression and a shifting geopolitical landscape. Saab's home country has increased defense spending as a share of GDP to 2.5% from 1.2% in 2021, according to SIPRI data.
Item 1 of 5 A GlobalEye aircraft, manufactured by Saab Technologies, on static design during the fifth day of Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 21, 2019. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo
[1/5]A GlobalEye aircraft, manufactured by Saab Technologies, on static design during the fifth day of Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 21, 2019. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
SummaryCompaniesSaab valued the potential purchase at up to $4.5 billionSays could start deliveries in 2030 if a deal were signed soonPrice could range from roughly $400 million to $450 million per aircraftANKARA, July 7 (Reuters) - NATO announced a roughly $4.5 billion plan on Tuesday to buy up to 10 Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab GlobalEye surveillance planes to replace ageing AWACS early warning aircraft, backing a Swedish system over a rival solution from U.S. planemaker Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab.
Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the replacement of Cold War-era Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) planes, best known for their rotating radomes, with a new system based on smaller business jets would tackle threats like drone swarms.
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"This will ensure we keep NATO's... surveillance and early warning capability strong and credible for decades to come," he said during an event at a NATO summit.
With U.S. President Donald Trump repeatedly pressing allies to spend more on defence and buy more U.S. equipment, Rutte took pains to underline the international pedigree of the system which is mounted on top of Bombardier Global 6500 business jets.
"Like its predecessor, GlobalEye is a transatlantic programme, delivered by European and Canadian industries with essential contributions from US industries. It is a real success story, again, made in NATO," he told delegates.
Trump has repeatedly criticised European allies for relying on the U.S. for their security, while pressing them to buy more U.S. weapons. He has also threatened at times to quit NATO.
GlobalEye competes with Boeing's E-7 Wedgetail, an early warning and command-and-control aircraft based on the 737 jetliner and designed to oversee and direct battle.
NATO said GlobalEye was a mission-proven system but did not elaborate.
Saab's shares rose near 4% on Tuesday, outperforming the European aerospace and defence index (.SXPARO), opens new tab that edged lower.
POTENTIAL DELIVERIES FROM 2030Reuters reported on Thursday that NATO would replace its Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS jets with Saab's Swedish GlobalEye.
Technically, NATO is now entering into formal negotiations with Saab after making its provisional selection public.
Saab CEO Micael Johansson valued the purchase at up to $4.5 billion and told reporters that the Swedish group would be able to start deliveries in 2030 if a deal were signed soon.
He added that the final price had not been agreed but that it would be between roughly $400 million and $450 million per aircraft.
The final number of aircraft had been unclear as planners debated whether to order a more expensive version capable of mid-air refuelling.
A person familiar with the matter said the GlobalEyes would not initially have this capability but that it was expected to be added in a later update.
The current AWACS fleet can be refuelled in flight, a capability that has proved valuable for missions near Ukraine.
Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Additional reporting by Tim Hepher, Louise Rasmussen, Editing by Alexandra Hudson
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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says some allies are procuring up to 10 GlobalEye surveillance planes from Saab as the military alliance's new airborne warning and control system (AWACS), succeeding the Boeing E-3A. He speaks at the NATO Summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Banners displaying the NATO logo are placed at the entrance of new NATO headquarters during the move to the new building, in Brussels, Belgium April 19, 2018. REUTERS/Yves Herman Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
BERLIN/PARIS, July 2 (Reuters) - NATO will announce plans at next week's Ankara summit to replace its ageing fleet of AWACS aircraft with GlobalEye surveillance planes from Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab, four sources familiar with the matter said.
NATO, whose members are due to meet in the Turkish capital on July 7 and 8, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Saab declined to comment.
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Reporting by Sabine Siebold and Tim Hepher, Additional reporting by Simon Johnson; editing by Barbara Lewis
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The Saab Technologies logo is displayed during the fifth day of Dubai Air Show in Dubai, United Arab Emirates November 21, 2019. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
STOCKHOLM, June 29 (Reuters) - Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab said on Monday it had signed a 47 billion crown ($4.83 billion) contract with Poland for three A26-type submarines.
Saab said in a statement the contract also includes a weapon package and a training and support package with final deliveries scheduled for 2038.
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Poland announced last year that it had chosen Saab to supply it with three submarines, in a multi-billion-dollar deal that forms a key element of Warsaw's efforts to bolster its defences in the Baltic Sea.
"Sweden and Poland have successfully concluded negotiations on Poland's acquisition of three A26 submarines from Saab," the Swedish government said in a separate statement.
"The agreement is a significant step in strengthening Poland's naval capabilities and at the same time contributes to Sweden and Poland deepening their security and industrial policy cooperation," it said.
($1 = 9.7251 Swedish crowns)
Reporting by Anna Ringstrom and Johan Ahlander, editing by Essi Lehto
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
France and Germany have agreed on a framework in which the German government will take a stake in defense manufacturer KNDS, ahead of a potential multi-billion-euro IPO by the company.
KNDS is one of Europe's largest producers of military equipment, including armoured vehicles and ammunition used in Ukraine. The company is viewed as a key to the continent's rearmament push that has benefited defense companies like Rheinmetall, Saab, and BAE Systems.
"By setting out this Franco-German framework, the two States have taken a decisive step towards strengthening their common sovereignty in land defence," the French and German governments said in a joint statement on Monday.
Why Germany is seeking a KNDS stakeGermany is now seeking to acquire a 40% stake in KNDS from family shareholders, the country's government said in a separate statement.
"A stake by Germany in KNDS will secure long-term influence over a company that is strategically important for European security and defense capabilities," the statement, translated from German, said.
Bloomberg reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter, that the company could be valued at between 15 billion euros ($17.2 billion) and 18 billion euros
Is KNDS going public?The parties were aiming to finalize the agreement by Monday ahead of an IPO announcement that could come as soon as Tuesday, according to Bloomberg.
KNDS did not immediately respond to a request for comment from CNBC.
The transaction would bring Germany's stake in KNDS in line with France's, both governments said in a joint statement.
The French government's stake is 50% but it is expected to reduce its holding to 40%, according to multiple media reports, which would leave the two governments as equal shareholders.
Swedish defence equipment maker Saab said on Wednesday it had invested €11.1 million ($12.9 million) for a 10% stake in Paris-based defence technology company Comand AI.
Italian defense firm Leonardo said it is "positioned on a path of strong growth" on Thursday, as European defense companies stand to gain business from the war in Iran, as they have been boosted by the war in Ukraine.
Leonardo unveiled plans to double profits by 2030, the day after German peer arms maker Rheinmetall forecast its sales could grow as much as 45% this year, as both companies have record-high order backlogs.
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani told investors that war was "getting faster and more dangerous," and warned of the rise of hybrid threats that "increase uncertainty and operational complexity."
Rheinmetall said that it was in a "prime position" to arm the U.S. amid the war in Iran, with CEO Armin Papperger telling investors that "over the next 10 years, there is a huge need" for its products.
Rheinmetall shares fell 8% after the guidance, which was described as "realistic but soft" by a Jefferies analyst, who added investors had high expectations for a share price that has risen 1,700% since the start of 2022.
The war in Iran, which has entered its 13th day, has renewed focus on defense companies, which are seeing increased demand regardless of their specific focus within the sector.
Leonardo is positioning itself as a digital defense player, investing in defense electronics and interconnected platforms such as the "Michelangelo Dome," which can detect and neutralize air threats similar to Israel's Iron Dome. Rheinmetall is a leading supplier of land systems like tanks and ammunition.
Sweden's Saab specializes in fighter jets, while Britain's Bae Systems, the largest of the European defense firms by sales and market cap, has a broad portfolio of military equipment from nuclear submarines to the Eurofighter Typhoon jet.
Annual revenue for Rheinmetall, Leonardo, Bae Systems, France's Thales, Germany's Hensoldt, and Saab rose an average of 57% between 2021 and 2025.
These companies also saw big increases in their order intake, an indication of future sales, over the same period.
Rheinmetall and Saab have seen the most explosive growth of 323% and 284%, respectively, based on unaudited 2025 figures.
On average, order intake grew 135%. Thales' order intake grew 27% between 2021 and 2025.
Barclays analysts earlier this week upgraded their recommendation on Leonardo to Overweight from Neutral, saying that the U.S.-Iran conflict helps the narrative of a booming defense sector in the short-term, but Leonardo has greater earnings momentum relative to peers.
Its diversified portfolio and low exposure to Ukraine also offer resilience to potential impact from a cease-fire, they added.
Saab AB is upgraded from hold to buy, driven by robust backlog growth and sustained revenue visibility. SAABF's backlog now covers 3.5x 2025 sales, with significant order inflows and multi-year delivery extensions supporting elevated earnings duration. The 2023-2027 CAGR target is raised to 22%, with EBIT growth expected to outpace sales and margin expansion anticipated as programs mature.
The first Gripen fighter jet assembled in Brazil, christened by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during Embraer and Swedish defence company Saab's presentation, at the Gaviao... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
GAVIAO PEIXOTO, Brazil, March 25 (Reuters) - Swedish defense firm Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab is pressing on with a campaign to sell its Gripen fighter jets to Peru despite political turbulence and signs the country was leaning toward the competing F-16 made by Lockheed Martin (LMT.N), opens new tab.
Saab Chief Executive Micael Johansson said on Wednesday the company had made a "cost-efficient and competitive" offer to Peru and was in close contact with the country's air force.
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After a 2014 deal to sell 36 aircraft to Brazil, Saab has long viewed Peru as a potential Gripen customer alongside Colombia, which placed an order last year.
"Since these decisions are on a political level, when things are a bit turbulent you may get sort of a pause or hibernation on the process," Johansson told reporters on the sidelines of an event introducing the first Gripen assembled in Brazil.
PRESIDENTIAL TURNOVERSince 2018, Peru has cycled through a rapid succession of presidents, exposing fissures between the executive branch and Congress.
Last month, Congress ousted President Jose Jeri over a corruption scandal only four months into his term and just before elections scheduled for April 12. Lawmaker Jose Balcazar has been serving as interim president.
Johansson said that Peru had taken decisions toward funding a fighter jet program.
"Now it's more about how do they launch it, and of course it's a competition, so they have to select. But we are still campaigning in Peru, definitely," the executive noted.
The U.S. State Department said last year it approved the potential sale of F-16 aircraft and related elements of logistics and program support to Peru in a deal estimated at $3.4 billion.
Peru's government said last week that the process had not yet concluded, following media reports it had selected the F-16.
PRODUCTION SITES, TWO-SEAT VERSIONJohansson said Saab did not expect to expand its Gripen manufacturing footprint significantly beyond its existing sites in Sweden and Brazil.
"I think Sweden, Brazil and maybe one more," he said. "If Canada selects to go dual-fleet and not only (Lockheed's) F-35, Canada might be that country."
The CEO reiterated Saab expects its production line at Brazilian planemaker Embraer's (EMBJ3.SA), opens new tab Gaviao Peixoto plant in Sao Paulo state to serve as an exporting hub.
Johansson also said Saab plans to roll out the Gripen F, a two-seat version of the fighter, in Sweden in June.
Reporting by Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Brad Haynes and Andrea Ricci
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
Gabriel is a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based reporter covering Latin America's financial and breaking news from the region's largest economy. A graduate of the University of Sao Paulo, joined Reuters while in college as a Commodities & Energy intern and has been with the firm ever since. Previously covered sports - including soccer and Formula One - for Brazilian radios and websites.
Sweden's Air Force Saab JAS 39 Gripen fighter takes off during the AFX 18 exercise in Amari military air base, Estonia May 25, 2018. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
SummaryCompaniesSaab on track to meet medium-term targetsAll business areas achieve double-digit sales growthOrder backlog SEK 274 billionSTOCKHOLM, April 23 (Reuters) - Swedish aerospace and defence group Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab reported a larger than expected rise in first-quarter operating profit on Thursday and said it was on track to deliver on medium-term targets.
Saab, which makes products ranging from Gripen fighter jets and submarines to missiles and advanced electronics, reported a 32% rise in first-quarter operating profit to 1.92 billion Swedish crowns ($208 million), beating expectations of 1.71 billion crowns in an LSEG poll of analysts.
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The group is scaling up production to meet demand from Europe and beyond as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East drive a continued rise in arms expenditure.
"It's full speed ahead," CEO Micael Johansson told Reuters. "There's a lot of activity in the market and we have a lot in the pipeline."
All business areas delivered sales growth in double-digit percentages and the company is on course to meet the medium-term targets, he added.
Saab's medium-term targets for 2023-2027 project organic sales growth of about 22%, operating income growth above sales growth and a cash conversion ratio of more than 60%.
Sales amounted to 19.16 billion crowns, up from 15.79 billion crowns in the first quarter of 2025. That equated to organic sales growth of 23.6%, just shy of the estimated 19.82 billion crowns.
Johansson said Saab's supply chains have not yet been affected by the war in Iran but there has been high demand from the Gulf region for its missile and drone detecting sensors.
Order bookings amounted to 18.24 billion crowns in the quarter and the backlog stood at 274 billion crowns.
($1 = 9.2357 Swedish crowns)
Reporting by Johan Ahlander Editing by Essi Lehto and David Goodman
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles., opens new tab
, /PRNewswire/ -- The two-seat fighter, developed in partnership with Brazilian industry, accelerates training and enhances operational performance.
On 2 June Saab had a rollout of the first Gripen F fighter to the Brazilian Air Force during a ceremony held at Saab´s facilities in Linköping, Sweden.
Gripen F is the two-seat variant of the Gripen E series and has been developed to meet the training and operational requirements of modern air forces by combining conversion training and combat capability on the same platform.
As the launch customer, Brazil played an active role in the co development of the two-seat variant, enabling direct industrial participation and long-term cooperation. Through an extensive transfer-of-technology programme, Brazil has trained hundreds of engineers and technicians while strengthening the advanced design and development expertise within its national industrial base.
"The rollout of Gripen F represents a shared achievement between Saab, Brazilian industry and the Brazilian Air Force, reflecting the deep trust we have built together over many years. Developing this aircraft together demonstrates the maturity of this collaboration. It represents not only a highly capable fighter for the Brazilian Air Force, but also the tangible outcome of sustained joint development and shared ambition," says Lars Tossman, head of Saab's business area Aeronautics.
Designed for an era of rapid transformation, Gripen F delivers world-class performance, sensors, and revolutionary architecture, mirroring Gripen E. The addition of a fully independent second cockpit enables instructor-guided missions in a fully operational fighter, giving trainee pilots realistic live mission conditions. Consequently, pilot conversion and preparatory training can be dramatically accelerated compared to conventional time, while enhancing operational effectiveness in high-threat environments through shared workload and improved mission command.
Before final delivery to the Brazilian Air Force the aircraft will be transferred to Saab's Flight Test Centre in Sweden, where it will start a dedicated flight test campaign.
The 2014 contract with the Brazilian government covers the development and production of 36 fighter aircraft: 28 Gripen E and eight Gripen F. Deliveries began in 2020 and to date 11 aircraft have been handed over. Saab has also received Gripen F orders from Thailand and Colombia.
Contact
Saab´s Press Center
+46 (0)734 180 018
[email protected]
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
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Item 1 of 2 Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson welcomes Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio during a ceremony outside the Government Offices Rosenbad in Stockholm, Sweden, June 4, 2026, ahead of a bilateral meeting. Jonas Ekstromer/TT News Agency via REUTERS
[1/2]Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson welcomes Brazilian Defence Minister Jose Mucio during a ceremony outside the Government Offices Rosenbad in Stockholm, Sweden, June 4, 2026, ahead of a bilateral... Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
STOCKHOLM, June 4 (Reuters) - Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing 20 additional Gripen model E and F fighter jets from Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said on Thursday.
The aircraft would be manufactured in Brazil, Jonson told a joint press conference in Stockholm with his Brazilian counterpart, Defence Minister Jose Mucio.
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Brazil in 2014 agreed to buy 36 Gripen fighter jets, and in 2023 Brazil's Embraer SA (EMBJ3.SA), opens new tab and Saab launched a production line in Brazil for the aircraft, with the South American country saying it may place more orders.
The first jets of the original deal have already been delivered and the remainder are expected to be handed over by 2027.
On Thursday, Jonson and Mucio signed a declaration of intent to deepen the defence cooperation between the two countries, the Swedish minister told reporters.
"Brazil expresses an interest in going beyond the 36 Gripen... and purchasing an additional 20 Gripens," Jonson added.
Saab would also set up a research and development unit in Brazil as part of the deeper collaboration, he added.
During Mucio's visit to Sweden, Saab showcased its first Gripen F, a two-seat version of the jet developed for Brazil.
Reporting by Johan Ahlander and Anna Ringstrom; Editing by Terje Solsvik and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
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Saab is rated a buy, with a $64.74 price target and 15% upside potential based on 2027 earnings expectations. Backlog visibility is strong, with 84% of 2026 and over 70% of 2027 expected revenues already booked, driven by short-cycle work. Q1 sales grew 21.4% and EBIT rose 32%, but free cash flow is pressured by elevated capital expenditures and ongoing ramp-up investments.
Item 1 of 2 A scale model of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS / SCAF), Europe's next-generation fighter jet, is seen in Paris, France, February 20, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo
[1/2]A scale model of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS / SCAF), Europe's next-generation fighter jet, is seen in Paris, France, February 20, 2020. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
SummaryCompaniesGermany and France ditch FCAS fighter projectAirbus has held exploratory talks with Saab, sources saySaab says any fighter decision would be for governmentsPARIS/BERLIN, June 10 (Reuters) - Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab is increasingly looking to Sweden's Saab as a preferred future partner as the collapse of a Franco-German fighter programme reshapes European defence alliances, three people familiar with the matter said.
Teaming up on warfare with the maker of Gripen combat jets is not the only option for Airbus, which represents Germany and Spain in the fighter market. There have also been high-level contacts on a separate project involving Britain, Italy and Japan.
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But Airbus and Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab have been in broad exploratory talks for at least six months, buoyed by improving defence relations between Germany and Sweden, the people said.
Saab said any cooperation would be a political decision. "That said, we have an open-door policy and are open to collaboration with many defence industry players," a spokesperson said.
Airbus had no immediate comment.
Until now, talks have been largely conceptual to avoid pre-empting the breakdown of the FCAS fighter project, sources said.
But this week's divorce between Airbus and Dassault Aviation (AM.PA), opens new tab - expected to be made official at the Berlin Airshow - could allow Airbus to pursue a Nordic partnership more openly.
Speaking to Reuters in Berlin, Airbus Defence & Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn confirmed Saab was among potential partners but said it was too early to rule out other options.
"There are potential partners, e.g. Saab. It will also be up to the (German) air force ... to restate what they actually need."
On Tuesday, Leonardo (LDOF.MI), opens new tab opened the door to Airbus and its defence paymaster Germany joining the separate GCAP project between Britain, Italy and Japan.
Berlin would be a "particularly valid partner," CEO Lorenzo Mariani told Reuters.
Analysts say the collapse of FCAS after nine years deals a blow to European defence cooperation. Decisions over what comes next will shape European air power for decades.
"It demonstrates how difficult it is to align military, political and industrial priorities," said Douglas Barrie, senior fellow for military aerospace at IISS.
POTENTIAL HURDLESSweden remained independent during the last round of fighter development, building the Gripen while France produced the Rafale and Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy co-developed the Eurofighter.
For the next generation it has yet to show its hand, having initially partnered with Britain and now conducting research on a Gripen successor, with political decisions due in 2030.
People familiar with the matter said Sweden has both the will and technology to team up with Airbus if requested.
The two sides have been inching closer for months.
Visiting Germany last September, Swedish Defence Minister Pal Jonson said industrial co-operation was "blossoming".
In December, Reuters reported Saab and Airbus had begun discussing co-operation on unmanned technology.
Those talks focused on supporting existing crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter and Gripen E, but sources said they could become a springboard for deeper cooperation.
Still, hurdles remain whichever path Berlin takes.
Just as France and Germany have historically differed over the role of their fighters - an issue that led France to leave the Eurofighter in the 1980s to build the Rafale - it remains unclear how far German and Swedish requirements align.
Insiders say GCAP is constrained by a tight 2035 deadline agreed with Japan, making it difficult to offer Germany more than a junior role.
Questions also remain whether any country can go it alone.
Dassault, the only European firm to have developed a fighter from scratch using domestic engines, says it is ready to do so again, though French public finances are strained.
At the air show, an Airbus-led alliance is set to make a lobbying push for German firms, though sources denied this marked the start of a new project.
Schoellhorn played down the prospect of going solo. "Germany has been clear on numerous occasions, also on the political side, that we continue to think European," he said.
With limited domestic demand to keep costs down and fiscal pressures across the continent, analysts say European fighter-producing nations other than France will keep pursuing alliances, potentially extending to the Middle East.
"It doesn't make the product cheap but it makes it affordable. Some of this stuff is really difficult to do on your own, except for the Americans or Chinese," Barrie said.
Additional reporting by Johan Ahlander, Ludwig Burger, Angelo Amante, Sarah Young, Joanna Plucinska, Michel Rose. Editing by Mark Potter
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A logo of Embraer is seen at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 17, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
SAO JOSE DOS CAMPOS, Brazil, June 10 (Reuters) - Brazilian planemaker Embraer (EMBJ3.SA), opens new tab has no plans to develop a fighter jet, CEO Francisco Gomes Neto told reporters on Wednesday, adding the company was satisfied with its partnership with Sweden's Saab (SAABb.ST), opens new tab in the segment.
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Embraer and Saab unveiled in March the first Gripen assembled at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto plant as part of a contract with Brazil.
Gomes Neto said the plant could support production for new sales Saab eventually makes in South America and "maybe even in other countries, if they need additional capacity."
Brazil has expressed interest in purchasing 20 additional Gripen jets, according to Sweden.
Embraer focused on products such as military cargo jet C-390 Millennium and light attack aircraft Super Tucano.
Gomes Neto spoke after the of a flagship Franco-German fighter jet project.
Fellow planemaker Airbus (AIR.PA), opens new tab is increasingly looking to Saab as a preferred future partner, Reuters reported, citing sources.
Reporting by Gabriel Araujo
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Gabriel is a Sao Paulo, Brazil-based reporter covering Latin America's financial and breaking news from the region's largest economy. A graduate of the University of Sao Paulo, joined Reuters while in college as a Commodities & Energy intern and has been with the firm ever since. Previously covered sports - including soccer and Formula One - for Brazilian radios and websites.
