Saab has received an order worth 1.3 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $131 million) from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to develop a next-generation flight control computer for the Gripen fighter aircraft. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030.
The Gripen is Saab’s multirole combat aircraft, designed to perform air defence, ground-attack and reconnaissance missions. Its flight control computer is a critical component of the aircraft’s control architecture, enabling precise manoeuvring and supporting safe flight operations.
Under the agreement with FMV, Saab will develop a replacement for the existing flight control computer to meet future performance and availability requirements. The programme also aims to ensure the long-term availability of essential equipment and components, supporting the Gripen fleet throughout its operational service life.
Expanded Gripen Engine Cooperation and Fleet Support
The latest contract follows additional initiatives aimed at strengthening Sweden’s domestic expertise and sustaining the operational readiness of its Gripen fleet.
Earlier this month, Saab and GKN Aerospace agreed to expand their cooperation on the engine powering the Gripen E/F following a Swedish government directive to reinforce national technical capabilities. GKN Aerospace is expected to progressively increase its engineering and technical support responsibilities, extending its existing collaboration on the Gripen C/D engine to the newer Gripen variants.
Sweden is also investing in long-term support for both the older Gripen C/D and the newer Gripen E aircraft. Last year, Saab received a maintenance and support contract extension worth 4 billion Swedish kronor (approximately $360 million), covering operations through 2027, with options to extend the arrangement until 2029.
The support programme includes spare-parts provision, component repairs, software maintenance, mission-system upgrades, and training for pilots and technical personnel.
Together, these initiatives highlight Sweden’s continued investment in Gripen modernisation, domestic aerospace expertise and long-term fleet sustainability. The new flight control computer programme is intended to help maintain the aircraft’s performance, reliability and operational availability for future missions.
