# Government Appoints Inquiry into Future Combat Aircraft

- Source: Nordic Defence Sector (https://nordicdefencesector.com)
- Canonical URL: https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen
- Published: 2026-06-29
- Author: Jacob Wollheim
- Type: News · Section: Air · Country: sweden
- Language: en — machine translation from sv; the sv version is authoritative: https://nordicdefencesector.com/sv/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md
- Also available in: de (https://nordicdefencesector.com/de/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), dk (https://nordicdefencesector.com/dk/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), es (https://nordicdefencesector.com/es/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), fi (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fi/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), fr (https://nordicdefencesector.com/fr/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), it (https://nordicdefencesector.com/it/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), no (https://nordicdefencesector.com/no/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md), pl (https://nordicdefencesector.com/pl/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen.md)
- Primary source: https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2026/06/utredning-tillsatt-om-vagval-for-framtida-stridsflyg/
- Tags: sverige, gripen, jas 39 gripen, försvarsmakten, nato, swedish defence ministry, swedish defence industry, pål jonson, ulf hammarström, swedac, swedish armed forces, sweden, defence procurement, fighter aircraft

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

![Genre image: JAS 39 Gripen D test flying together with the European unmanned technology demonstrator Neuron above Vidsel, Sweden. 2015](https://imagedelivery.net/XO8UY-c6-LfWgEjQsN8IQw/716670ae-c901-4487-a50d-a7602029a900/public)
*Genre image: JAS 39 Gripen D test flying together with the European unmanned technology demonstrator Neuron above Vidsel, Sweden. 2015 · Saab AB*

**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](https://www.regeringen.se/pressmeddelanden/2026/06/utredning-tillsatt-om-vagval-for-framtida-stridsflyg/), 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.

## FAQ

**What three strategic options is the inquiry into the successor to the JAS 39 Gripen tasked with analysing?**

The inquiry is to analyse three principal strategic options: a nationally developed combat aircraft system, a system developed through international cooperation, and the procurement of a foreign combat aircraft system. The analysis will form the basis for the government's future decision on which option is selected. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-26.

**Who has been appointed as the investigator for the future combat aircraft system, and when is the assignment to be reported?**

The government has appointed Ulf Hammarström, a former Director-General and most recently head of Swedac, as the investigator. A reference group comprising representatives from all parliamentary parties will be attached to the inquiry. The assignment is to be reported no later than 15 September 2027. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-26.

**Why is the government commissioning an inquiry into the Gripen's successor at this stage?**

Minister for Defence Pål Jonson states that it can take up to 25 years to specify requirements for, develop, and introduce a new combat aircraft system, which means that the preparatory work must begin now. The investigator is to analyse, among other things, life-cycle costs, effects on the labour market and research, and the consequences for Sweden's ability to meet NATO's requirements. Last fact-checked: 2026-06-26.

---
Nordic Defence Sector — independent newsroom covering the Nordic defence sector. When citing, attribute "Nordic Defence Sector" and link https://nordicdefencesector.com/en/article/investigation-launched-into-replacement-for-jas-39-gripen. Site guide: https://nordicdefencesector.com/llms.txt