Saab Brings Weapons Production to Ukraine, Opening Path to Gripen Fighters

Swedish defense giant Saab will begin producing air defense systems in Ukraine, a move that could lay the groundwork for future joint manufacturing of JAS-39 Gripen fighter jets, Ukrainian defense media outlet Defense Express reported on October 23.

According to Defense Express, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced a new agreement with Saab under the Build in Ukraine initiative—a program aimed at developing the country’s domestic defense industry and reducing dependency on imports.

While no timeline or production details have been disclosed, the outlet notes that the agreement was likely reached during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to Sweden. Analysts believe this could mark the start of a deeper industrial partnership that eventually extends to aircraft manufacturing.

Saab’s arsenal: from MANPADS to counter-drone missiles

Although it remains unclear which specific air defense systems will be produced in Ukraine, Defense Express points out that Saab’s portfolio includes several options already relevant to the battlefield. Among them are the RBS 70 NG man-portable air defense system—already in Ukrainian service—and the MSHORAD mobile launcher that uses the same missile type.

Saab also recently unveiled the Nimbrix, a new short-range counter-drone missile designed to neutralize loitering munitions like the Shahed. According to Defense Express, the system was developed in record time and placed on active duty within just four months.

In addition to missile systems, Saab produces radar systems—a critical component of modern air defense networks—that could also be locally manufactured under the new agreement. These include the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe 4A, and Giraffe AMB radars, all of which are designed for rapid deployment and 360-degree coverage.

Gripen fighters could be next

Defense Express notes that Zelenskyy’s visit to Sweden also coincided with discussions about Ukraine’s potential purchase of 100 to 150 JAS-39E/F Gripen fighters, which are also built by Saab.

Given Saab’s existing production backlog for Sweden and export clients, analysts believe local manufacturing or assembly in Ukraine could be the only feasible path for such a large order.

Building the foundation for future aerospace production

According to Defense Express, establishing a domestic Gripen production line would be a complex and time-intensive effort—a process that could take years, as seen in Brazil, where local manufacturing was developed under license.

However, producing air defense systems in Ukraine first could help Saab build industrial capacity and streamline future Gripen production.

Experts suggest that both programs could eventually operate from the same or neighboring facilities, creating a scalable defense manufacturing hub inside Ukraine.

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War in Ukraine

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While building fighter jets will take considerably longer, Defense Express concludes that air defense production will likely begin much sooner, becoming the foundation for Ukraine’s future aerospace ambitions.

Earlier, Sweden agreed to sell modern JAS 39 Gripen E fighter aircraft to Ukraine under a newly signed defense cooperation declaration.

The agreement, signed in Stockholm by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, marks a significant expansion of military and industrial collaboration between the two countries.

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