Saab Secures $6.6 Billion in Orders to Expand Europe's Fighter Jet and Naval Defense Capabilities.

Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has secured $6.6 billion in new military orders, tripling its order intake as European countries accelerate the modernization of their armed forces. Driven by demand for Gripen fighter jets, GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, and advanced naval systems, this expansion strengthens Sweden's defense industrial capabilities while increasing Europe's capacity to produce critical military equipment.

A Saab Gripen E fighter jet flies alongside a GlobalEye airborne early warning aircraft, two key systems driving the Swedish defense manufacturer's growing international orders and supporting the modernization of European armed forces. (Picture source: Saab)

The increase reflects demand across several military sectors rather than dependence on a single weapons program. Saab's quarterly orders rose from approximately $2.1 billion to $6.6 billion, while its total order backlog reached $36.7 billion. Quarterly sales amounted to approximately $2.1 billion, with organic growth of 30.6%, and operating earnings increased by 42% to nearly $197 million. These results provide the Swedish manufacturer with greater visibility over future production requirements and reinforce its position among Europe's major defense companies.

According to Saab's financial results published on October 23, 2026, the company attributed the increase primarily to contracts involving Ukraine's Gripen fighter program, GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, and Germany's MEKO A-200 DEU frigates. President and CEO Micael Johansson also confirmed continued investments in production capacity and technological development to meet growing demand. The three major contracts account for approximately two-thirds of the company's quarterly orders, demonstrating the importance of large procurement programs in supporting its industrial expansion.

The largest contract, worth approximately $2.5 billion, covers 16 Saab JAS 39 Gripen E fighter aircraft intended for Ukraine. Signed in June 2026 with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, the agreement includes aircraft, spare parts, and associated equipment, with deliveries scheduled for 2029 and 2030. Beyond increasing Ukraine's fighter fleet, the Gripen could help counter Russian Su-34 bombers launching glide bombs from dozens of kilometers behind the front line. Equipped with the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range missile, Ukrainian Gripens could threaten these aircraft before they release their weapons, potentially forcing Russian pilots to launch from greater distances and reducing the effectiveness of their attacks. This capability would not be exclusive to the Gripen E, as the older Gripen C/D fighters that Sweden has proposed transferring to Ukraine can also employ Meteor missiles. However, the Gripen E would provide a more advanced radar, improved electronic warfare systems, greater fuel capacity, and increased weapons payload, strengthening Ukraine's ability to conduct sustained air defense operations against Russian tactical aviation.

The Ukrainian contract forms part of Sweden's broader efforts to support Kyiv's transition toward Western combat aviation. Stockholm has also announced plans to transfer up to 16 existing Gripen C/D fighters, which could provide an earlier operational capability while the newer Gripen E aircraft are produced. Designed for dispersed operations, the Gripen can operate from relatively short runways and use decentralized maintenance arrangements, characteristics relevant to an air force facing repeated missile and drone attacks against its infrastructure. However, the introduction of these aircraft will also require trained crews, suitable weapons, and sustained logistical support.

Saab's surveillance business recorded another major success with a contract worth approximately $1 billion for two GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft ordered by an undisclosed Middle Eastern country in July 2026. Deliveries are scheduled for 2030. Based on the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business jet family, GlobalEye combines the Erieye Extended Range active electronically scanned array radar with additional active and passive sensors. Saab advertises surveillance ranges exceeding 650 kilometers and endurance of more than 12 hours, allowing the aircraft to detect and track airborne, maritime, and ground targets while distributing information to fighter aircraft, naval units, and ground-based air defense systems.

The GlobalEye program has also recorded several developments during 2026. On October 15, Saab presented the first of three aircraft ordered by Sweden, which will now undergo testing and verification before its first flight and delivery. The United Arab Emirates already operates five GlobalEye aircraft, with the final aircraft delivered in 2024. France signed a contract worth approximately $1.3 billion for two aircraft in December 2025, with deliveries planned between 2029 and 2032. Meanwhile, NATO selected GlobalEye in July 2026 as the basis for negotiations concerning up to ten future airborne early warning aircraft. Canada subsequently advanced discussions for six aircraft, while the Netherlands announced its intention to acquire one, although these prospective acquisitions have not yet become firm orders.

Naval equipment represents another important component of Saab's expansion. In July 2026, the company secured a contract worth approximately $900 million with German shipbuilder TKMS to equip four MEKO A-200 DEU frigates for the German Navy. Deliveries are planned between 2029 and 2032. The agreement includes the 9LV combat management and fire control systems, Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face long-range surveillance radars, Sea Giraffe 1X radars, passive sensors, and composite superstructures. These technologies will contribute to the frigates' ability to detect and counter aircraft, surface vessels, and submarines, while demonstrating Saab's role in European naval construction programs beyond Sweden's domestic market.

The breadth of these contracts illustrates Saab's position as one of Europe's major defense manufacturers, with industrial activities extending from combat aircraft and airborne surveillance systems to naval sensors, submarines, missiles, and ground combat weapons. Its portfolio includes the Gripen fighter family, GlobalEye, A26 submarines, RBS 70 NG air defense systems, and Carl-Gustaf anti-armor weapons, giving Sweden a substantial domestic capacity to design, produce, and maintain equipment across several military domains. Although international components and industrial partnerships remain essential, this diversified industrial base reduces dependence on foreign suppliers in several critical areas and supports Sweden's ability to maintain national defense capabilities. At the European level, Saab's growing production capacity and participation in multinational procurement programs also strengthen the European defense technological and industrial base, providing allied armed forces with additional sources of advanced military equipment and long-term support.

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Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests include security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.