Saab has secured a contract worth 2.6 billion SEK (approximately USD 238 million) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to continue development of Sweden’s next-generation fighter system under the Koncept för Framtida Stridsflyg (KFS) program. Covering 2025–2027, the effort focuses on Sweden’s first stealth fighter jet and a family of wingman drones designed to operate alongside it.
Strategic Move For The Future
The KFS initiative aims to define Sweden’s post-2040 air combat capabilities and eventually replace the Gripen. Conducted in partnership with FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, FOI, and GKN Aerospace, the program will establish the country’s long-term combat aviation roadmap and ensure technological sovereignty in air power development.
Technology And Innovation
Saab’s research centers on stealth architecture, manned–unmanned teaming (MUM-T), advanced electronic warfare, and software-defined systems that enable rapid capability upgrades. Around 270 Saab employees are working across more than 150 active R&D projects, with the first flying demonstrator expected in 2026.
Artificial Intelligence Integration
Under Project Beyond, Saab and German AI firm Helsing tested the “Centaur AI” system on the Gripen E. During beyond-visual-range scenarios, the AI autonomously executed combat maneuvers and provided engagement advice to human pilots, demonstrating that Saab’s modular avionics can integrate AI without compromising flight safety.
Sweden’s Independent Air Power Vision
After withdrawing from the UK-led Tempest project in 2023, Sweden launched KFS to pursue an independent assessment of future combat needs in light of NATO membership and increased defense spending driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The initiative also expands collaboration with GKN Aerospace, which is investing €59.5 million in its Trollhättan facility to develop additive manufacturing for future propulsion systems.
