The updated contract extends the work under the Konceptprogram Framtida Stridsflygsystem (KFS), jointly conducted by FMV, Saab, and GKN Aerospace. Concept and technology development will run until the third quarter of 2026, while demonstrator work, including initial flight testing, will continue through 2027.
“This order sets the next step on our joint journey in delivering innovative solutions to meet future operational needs of the Swedish Armed Forces and other customers,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab business area Aeronautics. The agreement expands upon the original contract signed in March 2024.
FMV emphasised that the extension secures continuity in development and supports future decisions about Sweden’s air combat capability. “Den här förlängningen säkerställer kontinuitet i utvecklingsarbetet och är en viktig del i att ta fram och verifiera teknik som kan ligga till grund för framtida beslut om svensk stridsflygförmåga,” said Carl-Fredrik Edström, Head of the Air and Space Materiel Division at FMV.
The Vägval stridsflyg programme aims to generate the basis for decisions on how Sweden will supply its air combat capability after 2040. It is a joint initiative involving FMV, the Swedish Armed Forces, and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), including ground-based and airborne demonstrators alongside studies and technology development.
National industrial collaboration is central to the programme, reinforcing Sweden’s domestic aerospace competence and technical base. “Med tanke på de långa utvecklingscyklerna inom stridsflygområdet är det viktigt att vi redan nu bygger kunskap, prövar teknik och förbereder framtida vägval,” added Edström.
This strategic investment demonstrates Sweden’s commitment to developing next-generation air power through sustained research, industrial partnership, and early technology validation. The flying demonstrator will play a key role in verifying emerging capabilities and informing future defence policy.
