Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration has awarded Saab a SEK 1.3 billion contract to develop a new-generation flight-control computer for the Gripen fighter aircraft. The system will replace the current computer, with deliveries planned during 2030. Saab and FMV will carry out the development jointly as Sweden seeks to sustain Gripen’s availability, performance and security of supply over the long term.
The flight-control computer is a central element of Gripen’s flight-control system, supporting safe and precise manoeuvring. Saab has described the replacement as a future-proof solution intended to meet the aircraft’s long-term operational and maintenance requirements.
The contract covers development rather than a disclosed aircraft procurement quantity. Neither Saab nor FMV has detailed the computer’s technical architecture, the specific Gripen variants affected or the programme’s development milestones. The available information also does not identify a specific cause for replacing the existing system.
Marcus Wandt, head of Saab’s Aeronautics business area, said the new computer would contribute to Gripen’s capability and performance for decades. The programme is intended to provide a planned path from the current system to a new flight-control computing capability while supporting continued Swedish operation of the fighter.