Saab is pursuing partnerships with Portuguese companies as part of its bid to supply Gripen fighter jets to the Portuguese Air Force, which plans to replace its aging F-16 fleet.
The Swedish manufacturer has signed memorandums of understanding with OGMA and Critical Software, aiming to repeat its strategy of local industrial collaboration previously implemented in Brazil.
OGMA, a Portuguese aerospace company, may participate in production, maintenance, and overhaul activities related to the Gripen aircraft, while Critical Software is expected to be involved in aviation software development projects.
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In Brazil, Saab’s local partnership model led to the creation of approximately 13,000 direct and indirect jobs. The company states that similar cooperation in Portugal could generate qualified employment opportunities within the national defense sector.
Portuguese Air Force F-16A (Rob Schleiffert)
Saab faces competition from Lockheed Martin, which is offering the F-35 fighter to Portugal. The F-35 proposal involves an estimated investment of €5.5 billion for a fleet of 27 aircraft.
The Gripen is positioned as a cost-effective option, with Saab highlighting its rapid software upgrade capability. The F-16s currently operated by the Portuguese Air Force are approaching the end of their service life, prompting the search for a replacement.
Geopolitical considerations are playing a role in the procurement process. Portugal’s Defense Minister has emphasized the need to assess alliance predictability in the decision-making process.
Saab representatives have acknowledged the significance of Portugal’s relationship with the United States but have declined to comment directly on the competition between European and US aircraft.