Government Appoints Inquiry into Future Combat Aircraft

The Swedish government has appointed a special inquiry to analyse three principal strategic options for Sweden's future combat aircraft. The analysis will serve as the basis for the government's future decision on a principal course of action regarding a successor to the JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft.

According to the government's press release, the inquiry will analyse the socioeconomic as well as the defence, security, and foreign policy consequences of three alternatives: a nationally developed combat aircraft system, a combat aircraft system developed through international cooperation, or the procurement of a foreign combat aircraft system. The analysis is intended to create the conditions for broad political consensus and to serve as the basis for the government's future decision.

The inquiry is to be reported no later than 15 September 2027.

"The Gripen will remain an important part of Swedish defence capability for a long time to come. However, since it can take up to 25 years to specify requirements for, develop, and introduce a new combat aircraft system, we now need to produce a solid foundation for the next generation. The inquiry will examine how Sweden can ensure a modern air combat capability beyond the Gripen era, taking into account the rapid pace of technological development, our responsibilities as a NATO ally, and the need for a robust supply capability in peacetime, crisis, and war," said Defence Minister Pål Jonson in a government press release.

The remit includes, among other things, analysing the socioeconomic effects, the consequences for Sweden's defence industrial base, the ability to meet NATO's requirements, and the long-term foreign policy consequences of each alternative. The government has appointed former Director-General Ulf Hammarström, most recently head of Swedac (the Swedish Board for Accreditation and Conformity Assessment), as the special investigator. A reference group comprising representatives from all parties in the Riksdag (Swedish parliament) will be attached to the inquiry.