"Sub" Swedish and"Airbus" They cooperate in combat drone technology
Senior executives in the two companies, “SABB”, revealed Swedish and “Airbus” European Union, they are discussing ways to cooperate in unmanned combat aircraft technology. In a move that highlights the growing interest in the drone sector and the conclusion of alliances in the fractured European defense industry.
The cooperation project between the two companies was revealed – according to international media – during separate meetings held by executives of the two companies during a European aircraft industry event held this week.
The meetings focused on exploring unmanned combat aircraft, to support the current generation of conventional fighters, such as the “Eurofighter Typhoon” fighter plane, which is supported by “Airbus”, and the “Grippen E” fighter. Produced by "SABB" Swedish.
Sources in the aviation industry told media outlets that if these cooperation attempts succeed; It will provide broader support to the air force industry in general, especially if the FCAS fighter project collapses. (Fakas) is stuck between France, Germany and Spain, the largest defense producers in “Airbus”.
When asked about whether “Airbus” You have contacted "SABB" Regarding its joining the forces, if the Fakas fighter project fails, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Swedish Saab Company, Michael Johansson, said: The two companies have good relations through the “Arixis” electronic warfare system, which Saab supplies. German Eurofighter fighters.
He added, “We discussed the possibility of doing something at the level of unmanned fighters, which are an integral element of our heritage of traditional military fighters,” as Saab is conducting. Talks with other parties, but no decisions have been taken yet.
Johansson said – in statements on the sidelines of a forum in Brussels hosted by the European Aviation Industry Association: (ASD), the association that represents the aerospace and defense industry in Europe, said: “There may be an opportunity, but we are already discussing it.”
When asked about the same observations, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Airbus, William Faury, confirmed the existence of discussions that had not been announced before, and said that the two companies have strong relations in electronics. And missiles.
He continued, “We see a good prospect for continuing to work with them in the field of drones – and this is part of what we are discussing with them, and it is not related to the fighter / Fakas/".”.
The two companies met amid the wave of interest in future unmanned fighters, known as “cooperative combat aircraft.” (CCA), or “Loyal Wing” fighters, designed to support fighter aircraft piloted by .
Airbus presented A model according to the concept of "wing" Ghost at the Berlin Air Show in 2024.
For its part, the “Economic Times” newspaper said that Saab announced – last month – that it had received a new request from the Swedish government to study manned and unmanned warplanes. Which means an extension of a previous contract dating back to Sweden’s decision in 2023 to withdraw from the study of the “Tempest” fighter, led by Britain, which is now part of the “JCAP” fighter aircraft project. In cooperation between the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.
Ministers from Germany, France and Spain are scheduled to discuss next week the state of division over the “Fakas” fighter programme.
Sources in the European aviation industry said that “Airbus” It has regular contacts, at the executive level, with both Saab and Bay Systems, a member of the fighter project (JCAB). To discuss their options.
The “Future Air Combat System” program fell. (Fakas), which is valued at 100 billion euros and was floated more than eight years ago, is in a whirlpool of disputes between the companies concerned over the sharing of work and technology.."RTL" lang="AR-SA"For his part, “Johansson” refused to discuss any repercussions of the internal conflict regarding the future “Fakas” fighter. On his company (SAAB), but he said, “We are not talking about Sweden replacing a party or something”.
Analysts said decisions on next-generation fighters will shape the defense industry and its alliances for decades to come.
Sweden still enjoys independence during the latest round of fighter developments, with its “Gripen” model, as is the case with France, which manufactures “Rafale” fighters, as well as Britain, Germany, and Spain, which participate in developing fighters. "Eurofighter".
As for the next generation fighter jets; The papers were rearranged again, as France joined Germany and Spain in the “Fakas” fighter program, which is known by its abbreviation in France as “Scav”. For its part, Britain merged its efforts with Japan within the “GCAP” project, which is available for members to join. New.
Sweden has not yet determined its position, as it initially entered into a partnership with Britain, and is now conducting its own research on the next generation of fighters that will succeed the Gripen. Political decisions on this matter are scheduled to be made in 2030, and Johansson believes that the decisions may be decided before that, “perhaps in 2028,” according to Appreciated.
Johansson confirmed that “SABB” It will not give up its seat in the small club of international arms companies capable of developing military fighters.. He said, “I do not rule out any type of partnership in the future, and that may of course be a path forward, but while preserving the manufacturer’s ability to develop military fighter aircraft: why should we give up this?” Path?"
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