Sweden is today the object of all the desires of the two European programs for new generation combat aircraft, FCAS and GCAP. However, far from being easily seduced, Stockholm has entrusted Saab with carrying out a study, which should enable it to arbitrate between these two programs, or even in favor of autonomous development, as was the case for the JAS 39 Gripen.
Obviously, the Swedish authorities are giving themselves time to reflect, to best preserve its industrial skills and defensive capabilities in this matter.
How, under these conditions, could the FCAS program anticipate these Swedish expectations, to ensure the participation of Stockholm and Saab in this strategic European program?
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Stockholm entrusts Saab with the preliminary study of its future combat aircraft
On March 22, the Swedish aircraft manufacturer Saab was notified by the Swedish Defense Equipment Administration, or FMV, of a contract relating to the preliminary and conceptual study of the future Flygvapnet air combat system, the Swedish Air Force.
This study, which is scheduled to last until 2025, will be carried out in close coordination with the FMV, the Swedish Air Force, the Defense Research Agency, as well as other industrial partners.
It should give Stockholm a clear vision of the technological, operational and budgetary issues, all those linked to the design of an air combat system intended to be effective in the decades to come, this including the design of the aircraft. combat, drones, combat systems, and the entire system of systems.
Sweden wants to preserve its fighter jet design skills
Fundamentally, the Swedish authorities, who know they are being courted by both the FCAS program (Germany, Spain, France and Belgium), and the GCAP program (Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom), want to have a transversal and objective vision. , to simultaneously meet its future needs and support its industrial skills.
It is true that, in this area, as in that of submarines, Sweden has a unique status on the world market. With only 10,5 million inhabitants, and a GDP of less than 650 billion euros, it is, by far, the smallest country with the experience, otherwise very successful, of the design of modern fighters, with the Gripen family.
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