Saab
Saab was founded in 1937 in Trollhattan as Svenska Aeroplan AB to guarantee Sweden a domestic combat aircraft supply, a mandate it has met through the Tunnan, Draken, Viggen and, since 1996, the JAS 39 Gripen. The company is headquartered in Stockholm with its Aeronautics division and fighter line in Linkoping.
The Gripen E generation turned a national program into an export one: Brazil signed in 2014 and assembles the type at Gaviao Peixoto under technology transfer, Thailand ordered in August 2025, Colombia signed for 17 aircraft in 2026 with deliveries to 2032, and Sweden and Ukraine signed a letter of intent on October 22, 2025, covering up to 150 aircraft. As of mid-2026 Saab is studying licensed production in Ukraine.
Frequently asked questions
The JAS 39 Gripen. The current E/F generation is in service with Sweden and Brazil, ordered by Thailand and Colombia, and the subject of a Ukrainian letter of intent for up to 150 aircraft.
Final assembly is in Linkoping, Sweden, with a second line at Embraer's Gaviao Peixoto plant in Brazil, and licensed production in Ukraine under discussion.
Its combination of modern sensors, Meteor missile integration and markedly lower operating costs than heavier Western fighters.