Saab in talks to establish defence production in Ukraine, CEO tells Reuters

Source: Reuters

Swedish defence manufacturer Saab is exploring the possibility of establishing production facilities in Ukraine, as part of efforts to enhance the country's defence capabilities, according to the company's CEO, Micael Johansson. In an interview with Reuters, Johansson outlined Saab’s intentions to support Ukraine in developing independent defence capacities amidst ongoing military tensions.

 

The demand for military equipment has surged following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Several Western defence companies, including Saab, are now considering setting up operations in Ukraine to aid the country’s defence strategy.

“We have to help Ukraine build sovereign capacity and capabilities,” Johansson told Reuters. He emphasised the need for partnerships with Ukrainian industries, both those within Ukraine and those that have relocated abroad. However, while talks are underway with two or three Ukrainian companies, no final agreements have been reached yet.

Saab, which competes with leading defence manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Dassault Aviation, and BAE Systems, has experienced increased demand due to the war in Ukraine, growing global tensions, and Sweden’s recent accession to NATO.

 

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Johansson noted potential collaboration with Ukrainian firms, particularly in the fields of drone technology, munitions supply, and sensor development. He also highlighted a shift in the defence industry’s approach to Ukraine, moving from aid donations to more formal partnerships with Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence and military forces.

“We are moving from countries donating equipment to Ukraine, which will continue, to an industry model of delivering directly to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence and armed forces. This has not fully materialised yet, but it is starting to happen,” Johansson stated.

 

Source: Reuters.

 

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