Sweden’s sixth-generation fighter aircraft programme, known as the Future Combat Aviation Concept (KFS), focuses on developing both crewed and uncrewed systems to enhance its air combat capabilities. Saab has received significant contracts to continue research and conceptual studies for this programme, which aims to integrate advanced technologies and operate as part of a broader “system of systems”.
At the recent Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden, Saab showed a full-scale mock-up of a future uncrewed combat air system called A3-001. The uncrewed platform is envisioned for high-risk missions, such as electronic warfare (EW), suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD), and precision strike operations in highly contested environments. With low observability, a high degree of autonomy, and the ability to operate across multiple domains, the concept illustrates a potential component of a future combat air capability.
“We are currently in an intensive development phase where, together with Sweden, we are exploring technologies that will lay the foundation for the next generation of combat air systems. As part of this work, we intend to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030 as we support Sweden in considering their future options,” says Peter Nilsson, head of business unit Advanced Programmes at Saab. At the airshow, Saab also presented a roadmap for its Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) programme. According to Nilsson, the ACP is part of the broader KFS project.
In December, Saab CEO Micael Johansson said it was ready to co-develop a new fighter jet with Airbus if the Franco-German FCAS programme collapsed, stressing the need for political commitment and industrial independence. Saab and Airbus’s collaboration on combat drone development could have been a precursor to broader co-operation.
The FCAS programme collapsed in June 2026, and Saab is considering starting direct cooperation with Airbus Defence and Space to develop a new generation of combat aircraft. Saab believes a possible partnership with Airbus could combine the strengths of both companies, with Swedish experience in light combat aircraft and Airbus’ European resources for large-scale programmes. In addition, the companies have already close technical co-operation, with Saab supplying Arexis EW systems for the Eurofighter modernisation programme. This co-operation could offer a way out of a difficult situation for both Sweden, due to its financial constraints, and Germany, given the failure of the FCAS project. However, at the Farnborough Air Show in July, when AI asked Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury whether Airbus would consider joining the GCAP programme, he said it was yet to be determined.
by David Oliver
