Saab, the famed Swedish aerospace and defense company, recently showcased a series of digital designs for potential future fighter demonstrator concepts, as Sweden prepares to make a critical procurement decision for a next-generation aircraft by 2031.

During a media visit to Saab’s Linkoping production facility, the manufacturer provided a glimpse into the future of Swedish aerial combat capabilities through the silhouettes of possible manned and unmanned aircraft.

Peter Nilsson, the head of advanced platforms at Saab, explained that the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has yet to define the exact capabilities expected from a demonstrator but emphasized the need for quick prototyping and iterative design advancements. “They want us to be fast and quick,” said Nilsson, indicating a future of rapid development in the field of combat aircraft.

Saab’s current contract, received in March, mandates the company to conduct “conceptual future fighter studies” with a particular focus on exploring both manned and unmanned aircraft designs.

This project aligns with Sweden’s future fighter phase 2 timeline, which runs from 2026 to 2031, centered on concept work and the development of demonstrators preceding the final procurement decision.

The company is also innovating at its Rainforest tech lab, where engineers are working on a small, cost-efficient drone named Ruby.

This drone incorporates advanced technologies such as 3D printed components and 4G-6G datalink connectivity, evolving from the avionics used in Saab’s Gripen E/F fighter jet.

Furthermore, Saab’s website teases the concept art of drone swarms, underpinning the manufacturer’s commitment to leading-edge aerial warfare technologies.

Saab’s extensive research across 150 “advanced” programs showcases its breadth of interest, which includes weapons, sensors, electronic warfare, Command and Control (C2), human-machine interfacing, and AI and autonomy software. Nilsson revealed an additional 120 projects are expected to be launched post-summer, emphasizing the progressive growth of the company’s advanced programs.

The financial feasibility of the future fighter program remains a concern; however, Nilsson confidently stated, “I don’t need more money,” highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the Gripen E/F development in comparison to competitors like BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin.

Sweden has previously collaborated with BAE on the UK’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program before reconsidering its plans for future fighters.

Now, Saab is potentially facing a re-engagement with BAE on the Global Combat Air Programme, which also involves Japan and Italy, or could consider joining the French-German-Spanish FCAS/SCAF effort.

“We as a nation must decide [about a future fighter] before 2030,” Tommy Petersson, Deputy Commander of the Swedish Air Force, told the media. He noted that a four-year study is underway within the armed forces to formulate a solid opinion on the matter.

Sweden is also expecting the delivery of its 60 Gripen E jets to the Skaraborg Air Force Wing (F7) next year, with the platform anticipated to serve until at least 2060.

The impending decision on the future fighter and the ongoing development of advanced aerial technologies place Saab and Sweden at a pivotal point in defining the next era of their air combat capabilities.