Sweden evaluates options for future airpower amid NATO membership

Saab has undertaken KFS in close collaboration with the FMV (Sweden's defense materiel administration), the FOI (defense research agency), the Swedish armed forces, and other key industry players such as GKN Aerospace, which provides the engine for the Gripen fighter. The initial phase focuses on concept exploration contracted and funded through 2025.

In March, Saab received an order from the FMV for conceptual studies of manned and unmanned solutions. It has rapidly expanded the number of people working on KFS-related activities from 120 to 270 and coordinates more than 150 relevant research and technology projects active across the company.

Schedules call for KFS to move into its second phase in 2026, including technology demonstrations. An imminent concept evaluation review will identify what technologies Saab should demonstrate during phase two.

A wide range of concepts remain under evaluation, and any future fighter system could be manned or unmanned. While building new technology demonstrators appear likely, new systems can operate on modified current aircraft such as Gripen. Meanwhile, Saab would use unmanned demonstrators to fly technologies destined for a manned fighter.

The program is taking a holistic approach to a new fighter system, examining all facets of a system of systems and how they need to act and interact in a future combat scenario. Swedish experience with dispersed operations will feature prominently in any new system, and robust wear-resistant low observability is another aspect.

KFS is due to conclude in 2030 when it should be able to fully inform a decision on which path Sweden should choose for its airpower requirements. There is strong support for a Swedish solution, but KFS will ensure Sweden has strong bargaining tools if it were to join another multinational program. While there might not be much place for Saab in current manned fighter programs, Nilsson foresees a second round of GCAP/FCAS activity centered on uncrewed “loyal wingmen” vehicles, where Saab would ideally be placed.

If Sweden proceeds with a national solution based on KFS technology solutions, full-scale development would begin almost immediately. Saab has virtually all required expertise in-house and has already demonstrated through Gripen E its ability to rapidly develop major systems. The powerplant would account for one area needing external sourcing; companies such as Rolls-Royce, GE or Pratt & Whitney are potential partners.

In any case—and as with GCAP or FCAS—Sweden’s future fighter system will almost certainly employ some form of uncrewed component.

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