In a strategic move to strengthen ties with Portugal, Saab is actively exploring the potential for local production of components for its Gripen fighter aircraft, contingent on Lisbon’s decision to replace its aging F-16 fleet. The Swedish defense company has identified OGMA, a Portuguese aerospace manufacturer controlled by Brazil’s Embraer, as a promising partner for this initiative.
This development could significantly contribute to Portugal’s economy by retaining investment and creating jobs within the country, should the Portuguese government favor Saab’s Gripen E/F in an upcoming fighter procurement process. Saab is competing against major players like Lockheed Martin and the Eurofighter consortium, although a formal acquisition process has yet to be initiated.
Daniel Boestad, vice president of Saab’s Gripen business, expressed confidence in the potential collaboration, stating that Saab “will be there” when Lisbon formally opens its bidding process. He highlighted that local industrial involvement, akin to Saab’s existing partnership with Embraer in Brazil since 2014, could have a beneficial impact on the Portuguese defense sector.
Saab has established a track record of collaborating with local companies to enhance defense capabilities across various regions. In February 2024, the company formed a partnership with The Abbey Group in the UK to produce components for the Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System, aimed at providing support for British Army vehicles. Later, in March 2025, Saab inked a memorandum of understanding with Radionix, a Ukrainian defense entity, to jointly develop sensors and electronics intended to bolster Ukraine’s defense production efforts.
Further expanding its global footprint, Saab announced a partnership with Polish technology firm WB Group in September 2025, focusing on cooperation in unmanned aerial systems, naval solutions, and border protection technologies. These initiatives reflect Saab’s commitment to fostering local capabilities and strengthening regional defense capabilities through strategic partnership and collaboration.
