FlightGlobal
• Dominic Perry
Saab displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 autonomous combat-aircraft concept, designed to complement Gripen E and other fighters in combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions. The company says the high-end unmanned system could also influence its next crewed combat aircraft, while GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a newly developed Swedish turbojet.
SAAB
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Sweden’s air force has successfully test-fired a Taurus KEPD 350 long-range cruise missile from a Saab Gripen fighter for the first time. The terrain-following weapon is designed to penetrate dense air defenses, marking a notable integration milestone for Sweden’s Gripen-based strike capability.
Saab displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 autonomous combat-aircraft concept, designed to complement Gripen E and other fighters in combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions. The company says the high-end unmanned system could also influence its next crewed combat aircraft, while GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a newly developed Swedish turbojet.
Sweden’s air force is preparing to rearm Saab Gripen fighters in less than 10 minutes, underscoring the operating concept and rapid-response requirements facing NATO’s newest member. The accelerated turnaround objective could shape sortie generation, dispersed operations and support requirements for Sweden’s fighter fleet.
Swedish authorities detained a Russian couple who were camping near a cottage used by Saab CEO Micael Johansson, who is under personal protection. The incident highlights the heightened security environment surrounding senior defense-industry executives and sensitive corporate sites amid regional tensions.
Saab has secured a SEK 10.1 billion ($1 billion) contract to supply two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft to an undisclosed Middle Eastern customer. The aircraft, based on the Global 6500 platform, are scheduled for delivery in 2030, expanding the operator’s airborne surveillance capability.
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Farnborough coverage underscored Europe’s widening defense commitments: the UK allocated £8.6 billion to GCAP and released £8.4 billion in existing Dreadnought submarine funding, while the EU approved €3.47 billion for Ukrainian military hardware. New autonomous aircraft and sovereign-production plans highlighted the industrial implications.
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Saab says it has secured a SEK 10.1 billion (about €910 million) order for two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft from an undisclosed Middle East country, with deliveries scheduled for 2030. Separate reporting also notes a Pentagon deal with L3Harris to ramp motor production for PAC-3 and THAAD interceptors.
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General Atomics is pursuing expanded strike roles for the MQ-9B and its Gambit integration via deals with Kongsberg and MBDA. Meanwhile, Raytheon UK unveiled Red Kite—an affordable sovereign precision munition built on the Stormbreaker airframe. BAE, Boeing and Saab also signed to advance a UK Hawk replacement built around Boeing’s T-7 training system, as Leonardo presses LEO and missile-defense programs alongside an Indonesian M-346F fighter sale.
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