Johansson plays down Peru loss as Saab leans on wider demand

Saab appears set to miss out on a major Peruvian fighter aircraft contract worth more than SEK 30 billion.

Speaking during Thursday’s conference call following the release of Saab’s first-quarter results, chief executive Micael Johansson said he had received no formal update beyond media reports.

- If Peru has selected the F-16, we have to respect that decision. We still believe we offer the most cost-effective solution. But it is up to Peru to decide which aircraft they want, Johansson said.

- We are reviewing the details to understand the situation better, but I do not have any further information at this stage.

Intense discussions

Johansson also pointed to Canada, where Saab is engaged in discussions covering sovereignty requirements, industrial participation and technology transfer.

- It is difficult to say when a decision will be taken. The evaluation is ongoing at prime ministerial level, and the timeline remains uncertain. However, discussions are active, he said.

Johansson highlighted interest from Portugal and further referenced Ukraine, noting President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Stockholm last year and Kyiv’s stated interest in the Gripen. 

Ukraine has indicated an expectation to receive up to one hundred and fifty JAS 39 Gripen aircraft from 2026, likely in the C/D configuration.

- There is clear interest, and we are preparing to ramp up production while delivering additional aircraft to Sweden, Brazil, Colombia and Thailand. Activity in this area is high, Johansson said.