Swedish defense company Saab is exploring ways to strengthen industrial collaboration with Portugal as the country evaluates potential replacements for its current fleet of F-16 fighter jets. The company has suggested that local aerospace manufacturer OGMA, which is controlled by Brazil’s Embraer, could play a role in producing components for the Gripen fighter aircraft if Portugal selects the platform in a future acquisition program. By incorporating domestic manufacturing into the project, Saab aims to ensure that a potential fighter purchase would also bring economic benefits to Portugal, including employment opportunities, technological expertise, and long-term industrial investment. Saab’s Gripen E/F fighter has emerged as one of the potential contenders for Portugal’s next combat aircraft requirement, competing against offerings from Lockheed Martin and the Eurofighter consortium. While the Portuguese government has not yet formally launched the procurement process, Saab executives have indicated that the company is prepared to participate once Lisbon opens the competition. Daniel Boestad, a senior Saab executive responsible for the Gripen program, highlighted that local industry participation could play an important role in strengthening Portugal’s defense sector. Saab has previously implemented similar industrial partnership models in several countries. One of the most prominent examples is the long-term cooperation with Brazil’s Embraer that began in 2014, enabling joint production and development of the Gripen fighter for the Brazilian Air Force. Beyond aircraft programs, Saab has continued expanding its international partnerships in other defense sectors. The company has collaborated with the UK’s Abbey Group on camouflage systems for military vehicles, signed agreements with Ukrainian firm Radionix to develop advanced sensors and electronics, and partnered with Poland’s WB Group to explore joint initiatives in unmanned aerial systems, naval technologies, and border security solutions.
