Saab Posts Record 2025 Results Amid Rising Defence Spending
Locales: SWEDEN, BRAZIL, HUNGARY, SLOVAKIA (Slovak Republic), THAILAND

Linkoping, Sweden - February 5th, 2026 - Saab AB, the Swedish defence and security company, closed 2025 with exceptional financial results, posting record order intake and revenue growth fueled by robust demand for its Gripen E fighter jet and GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform. The company's success underscores a broader global trend of escalating defence spending driven by increasing geopolitical instability and a heightened focus on national security.
Saab's 2025 performance saw order intake jump a significant 24% year-on-year, reaching Skr163.9 billion (approximately $14.5 billion USD). Revenues followed suit, increasing by 13% to Skr132.1 billion. Crucially, the company now boasts a substantial order backlog of Skr305.8 billion, providing strong visibility into future earnings and demonstrating sustained confidence in Saab's offerings. This backlog isn't just a number; it represents years of secured work, supporting jobs and bolstering Sweden's technological prowess.
Gripen E: A Fighter for the Future
The Gripen E remains a cornerstone of Saab's success. The multi-role fighter continues to attract significant interest from nations seeking a modern, capable, and cost-effective solution. While specific details regarding new contracts are often confidential, Saab confirmed interest from multiple countries in 2025, expanding the aircraft's footprint beyond its existing operators. The Gripen E's appeal lies in its advanced sensor suite, data fusion capabilities, and ability to operate from shorter runways - a critical advantage for nations with limited infrastructure. Saab has strategically positioned the Gripen E not as a direct competitor to the most expensive fifth-generation fighters, but as a highly capable and adaptable platform offering a compelling balance between performance and cost.
Industry analysts point to the Gripen E's open architecture as a key differentiator. This allows customers to integrate their own unique sensors and weapons systems, tailoring the aircraft to their specific operational needs. This flexibility, combined with Saab's commitment to long-term support and upgrades, makes the Gripen E a particularly attractive option for countries prioritizing sustainability and independence.
GlobalEye: Expanding Skies and Situational Awareness
Alongside the Gripen E, the GlobalEye AEW&C platform has experienced a surge in demand. The platform provides critical long-range surveillance capabilities, enhancing situational awareness and enabling effective command and control. The GlobalEye's ability to detect and track airborne and surface targets, coupled with its advanced data links, makes it a valuable asset for both military and civilian applications, including border security and disaster relief.
Saab has responded to this growing demand by investing heavily in its GlobalEye production facilities in Linkoping, Sweden. The company is actively ramping up production capacity to meet the commitments in its order book, which currently extends well into 2028. This expansion represents a significant investment in Swedish manufacturing and a commitment to delivering on its promises to customers. Experts suggest the current geopolitical climate, with increased focus on air domain awareness, is driving demand for platforms like the GlobalEye.
Adaptability and Partnership: The Saab Formula
Saab CEO Annika Svensson attributes the company's success to its adaptability and willingness to collaborate with customers. "We will continue to be a strategic partner for nations and organizations worldwide, to provide advanced defence and security solutions," Svensson stated. This collaborative approach extends beyond simply selling equipment; Saab actively works with customers to develop tailor-made solutions that address their specific challenges. This includes offering comprehensive training programs, maintenance support, and ongoing upgrades to ensure the long-term effectiveness of its systems.
Saab's commitment to innovation is also evident in its ongoing research and development efforts. The company is actively exploring new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and unmanned systems, to enhance its existing products and develop future capabilities. This forward-looking approach positions Saab for continued success in a rapidly evolving defence landscape.
The company's focus on sustainability and ethical practices is also resonating with customers increasingly concerned about responsible sourcing and environmental impact. Saab is committed to minimizing its carbon footprint and promoting responsible business practices throughout its supply chain.
Looking ahead, Saab is well-positioned to capitalize on the continued growth in global defence spending. With a strong order backlog, a compelling product portfolio, and a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the company is poised to remain a key player in the defence and security industry for years to come.
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