Sweden has begun the early stages of analysing its long-term fighter needs with its Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarding contracts to Saab and GKN Aerospace to conduct conceptual studies for the aircraft and propulsion system, respectively.
The two-year studies, which will span 2024 and 2025, aim to prepare for any long-term program, analyzing the Air Force’s desires and the technologies needed to meet them. A follow-up phase is also planned.
“The aim is to lay the groundwork for a long-term resolution on the choice of the way forward for the supply of aircraft for combat aviation functions after 2040,” the FMV said.
“In addition, the activity must guarantee national commercial capacity and know-how through studies, technological advances and the preparation of ground and air demonstrators. “
The paintings will be carried out in conjunction with the Swedish Armed Forces and its Defence Research Agency.
“Given the long lead times and decisions that need to be made, it’s smart that the work starts now. It is also natural for the aviation industry to participate with its wisdom in this phase,” says Lars Helmrich, Head of Aerospace Activities at FMV.
Saab says its contract covers “conceptual studies of manned and unmanned responses from a systems of systems, generation and demonstration perspective. “
“Saab is in a position of strength; having recently evolved the Gripen E and the GlobalEye, we have the complex generation and engineering know-how to advance the fighter concept in the long term,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s aerospace business unit.
GKN Aerospace, which has close ties to the Gripen program through the acquisition of Volvo Aero, “will power and propulsion systems for the next generation of combat air capabilities,” he said.
“GKN Aerospace will seek and expand collaboration with partners operating with a diversity of disruptive power and propulsion systems and technologies, which are expected to play a role in any long-term air combat capability. “
Saab and GKN Aerospace also signed a new cooperation agreement for an existing innovation partnership.
Sweden’s unilateralism raises the option of bringing a 3rd generation fighter to Europe, along with the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) between Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom, and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) initiative for France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Spain.
Despite initially taking part in a study on next-generation fighter jets with the UK, Stockholm has chosen not to participate in the AMCP in 2023.
Recent proposals from France – and a new defence cooperation agreement between the two countries that included an air defence detachment – have led to the hypothesis that Sweden could also be enrolled in the FCAS programme.
The Japanese cabinet will respect the country’s strict regulations on the export of defense products to allow foreign sales of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) that it will develop with Italy and the United Kingdom.
In the United States, demand for “contractor-owned and operated” (COCO) intelligence at sea through unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) developers is increasing, while demand for land-based intelligence has declined, according to an industry executive.
The air-launched stealth cruise missile is expected to be a critical asset in any maritime conflict, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, where Pentagon planners foresee a Taiwan invasion situation that could involve enemy surface ship cargoes.
Norway will get a fleet of “long-range” unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for maritime surveillance missions as part of a proposal to increase long-term defense spending.
Italy has retired the last of its AMX light fighter jets, after 35 years of service with the single-engine type.
The Royal Canadian Air Force will begin working with the industry starting next month, when it begins outlining its needs for a long-term docent fighter jet that will enter service early in the next decade.
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