At the center of this defense industry is Saab AB, the hub of Sweden's defense technology. We will try to unravel Saab's origins and how the future may look for Sweden's leading military innovation.
Origin: Saab from the need for independent defense
Sweden had long had a defense policy that emphasized self-sufficiency and the ability to respond to threats without being dependent on foreign influence. Having domestic high-tech capabilities in aviation, radar, and weapon systems also provided industrial technological advantages in other civilian sectors.
Saab was founded in 1937 with the aim of developing military aircraft. [1] Sweden, as a small nation, wanted to be independent of the great powers as war approached in Europe, and there was concern.
In 1940, Saab and ASJA in Linköping merged to improve and streamline production. [2] In the early 1940s, the first Saab 17 (bomber/reconnaissance) began production.
Draken, Viggen, and the foundation for Gripen
Saab's development of aircraft has gone through several generations, where each step built on lessons from the previous one:
- Saab 29 Tunnan: one of Sweden's first jet aircraft in the 1950s. [3]
- Saab 35 Draken: introduced in the 1950s, with double delta wings and the ability to fly high and fast.
- Saab 37 Viggen: entered service in the 1970s, with the ability to follow terrain, short takeoff and landing, and multi-role capability.
These aircraft required advanced aerodynamics, computer control, integrated avionics, and robust construction - technologies that paved the way for future designs.
JAS 39 Gripen
The JAS 39 Gripen is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft (air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance) with advanced sensor fusion and fly-by-wire controls. The Gripen concept is based on modular design, relatively low operating costs, and the ability to quickly upgrade. [4]
In 2025, work is underway to strengthen electronic warfare (EW) capabilities for the Gripen, an important development path in modern warfare. [5]
Neutrality as a driving force for innovation
Neutrality has long been Sweden's driving force, being able to stand outside military alliances. However, this changed when Sweden joined NATO on March 7, 2024. [6]
Until then, having a domestic defense industry provided more freedom to control its own defense and reduced the risk of being dependent on other countries for arms supplies if Sweden were attacked.
The strategy was to do it themselves and do it well. Much investment in research, where the defense forces, state institutes, and industry collaborated.
Le Monde wrote in its analysis after the invasion of Ukraine that Swedish arms production has expanded not as a result of alliances, but as a confirmation of capabilities and capacity. [7]
Swedish defense industry in NATO and Saab's future
Saab AB is today a broad defense and technology company with approximately 25,000 employees. [8] The company operates in areas such as aircraft systems, radar and surveillance, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and weapon systems.
After joining NATO, Sweden has participated in alliance exercises and air surveillance in other countries with Swedish Gripen aircraft. [9] In March 2025, the Swedish government proposed contributing up to eight Gripens to NATO air surveillance in Poland, which is a sign of Sweden's role as an active member. [10]
Saab CEO Micael Johansson has emphasized that the future requires Europe to build its own defense capabilities, with increased focus on AI, autonomous systems, and cooperation across national borders. [11]
Challenges and strengths
There are economic risks, as high development costs and intense international competition require technology to be kept at the highest level, on par with global defense giants. There is also complexity in integrating Swedish systems into the NATO environment, where standardization is required.
Sweden may be small on the map, but has chosen a path where independence and technical expertise go hand in hand. Saab and Gripen are not just products to protect themselves, but to build domestic competence and participate as a full-fledged technological actor in a complex security world. So far, Saab has been very successful in competing in a changing world where research and technical expertise are put to the test. [12]
