Swedish defence group secures SEK 8.7bn naval systems contract as NATO prepares talks on GlobalEye aircraft

Saab has won an SEK 8.7bn contract to equip four new German Navy frigates, adding to a run of European defence announcements for the Swedish group.

The company will deliver and integrate combat systems, composite structures and sensors for four MEKO A-200 DEU class frigates being built in Germany by TKMS.

Deliveries to TKMS are expected between 2029 and 2032.

The contract also includes an option for Saab to equip and integrate systems on additional frigates.

The order follows a separate SEK 47bn contract signed last month for Saab to produce and deliver three A26-type submarines to Poland.

NATO has also selected Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control system as its preferred future surveillance aircraft, although Saab said no contract has yet been signed.

The German frigate order includes Saab’s 9LV combat system, fire control system and combat management system.

It also covers long-range Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face surveillance radar, Sea Giraffe 1X lightweight multi-mission radar and passive sensors.

Saab will also supply composite superstructures for the frigates.

Micael Johansson, Saab’s president and chief executive, said: “It is with great pride that we continue to build on our long and strong relationship and commitment to Germany and the Bundeswehr, while together with TKMS strengthening the German Navy.

“These deliveries will significantly enhance the Navy’s anti-air-, anti-submarine- and anti-surface warfare capabilities.”

The Poland submarine contract was signed with the Polish State Treasury Armaments Agency.

It covers three A26-type submarines, a weapons package and training and support.

Saab said deliveries would be made continuously, with final deliveries scheduled during 2038.

The company said the A26 submarine is designed for the Baltic Sea and engineered to operate quietly and remain undetected.

Johansson said: “We are deeply honoured that Poland has chosen Saab’s submarines to bolster its defence capabilities and strengthen the strategic partnership between our two nations.

“The three A26 submarines meet Poland’s current and future defence requirements and will play a pivotal role in enhancing security in the Baltic Sea region.”

Saab said it would support the Polish Navy by establishing maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities in Poland in collaboration with Polish industry.

Poland will also operate the Swedish submarine HMS Södermanland as a gap filler under a separate agreement between Poland and Sweden.

The NATO announcement was made at the alliance’s summit in Ankara, Türkiye.

Secretary General Mark Rutte said NATO would begin formal negotiations with Saab over the acquisition of up to 10 GlobalEye airborne early warning and control systems.

Saab said NATO had identified a need to replace its existing airborne early warning and control capability as part of a wider modernisation of surveillance and situational awareness.

The company said it would now enter formal negotiations with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

Johansson said: “We are honoured and proud to support NATO in its next-generation AEW&C capability.

“We are confident that GlobalEye is the right choice for the Alliance, delivering proven capability, adaptability and long-term operational advantage.

“Today’s announcement clearly positions GlobalEye as the world-leading solution for advanced airborne early warning and control. We look forward to the next steps in the negotiations.”

GlobalEye combines Saab’s Erieye Extended Range radar, sensors and a multi-domain command and control system on a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft.

Saab said the system is designed to monitor large areas of land, sea and air and detect threats including drones, ballistic and hypersonic missiles in complex environments.

Saab said the German frigate and Polish submarine contracts were information it was obliged to make public under the EU Market Abuse Regulation.

READ MORE: Lockheed Martin pushes European missile expansion at NATO summit. US defence group unveils plans for PAC-3 maintenance hub and German ATACMS production with Rheinmetall.

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_{Main image: An artist’s impression of the MEKO A-200 DEU frigates, which will be equipped with Saab combat systems, sensors and composite superstructures under an SEK 8.7bn contract. Graphic: TKMS}