In April 2023, Saab and Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer signed a letter of intent in Rio de Janeiro, under which Saab would support Embraer in marketing its new KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft to the Swedish Air Force. Embraer, in turn, would assist Saab in selling additional JAS 39 Gripen fighters to both the Brazilian Air Force and potential new customers in South America.
The Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsmakten) currently operate six Tp 84 aircraft, known internationally as the C-130H Hercules, all of which are based at F 7 in Såtenäs (western Sweden). The aircraft are used on a continuous basis to support the Swedish Armed Forces' day-to-day operations, as well as in special operations such as the evacuations from Kabul and Sudan.
In September, Defence Minister Pål Jonson (Moderate Party) and the Tidö coalition parties' defence policy spokespersons held a press conference to present defence budget announcements ahead of the government submitting its budget bill to the Riksdag (Swedish parliament). Mikael Oscarsson (Christian Democrats) stated at the time that the question of the Tp 84 replacement was something for which a solution could be reached "in the near term".
On 20 September, the government submitted the 2024 budget bill to the Riksdag.
In expenditure area 6, Defence and Civil Preparedness, it states that "the Tp 84 [...] is ageing and has limited availability. In order to maintain the capability for tactical air transport, the aircraft system needs to be replaced." The text goes on to describe the importance of transport aircraft capability and the need for procurement to take place "promptly".
"Coordinating our expertise with MilDef strengthens Lockheed Martin as we expand our relationships with Swedish industry to create jobs and economic benefits, while supporting Sweden's air power mission through our C-130J-30 Super Hercules offering," said Tony Frese, Vice President of Business Development for Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin, in MilDef's press release.
Sweden was the first European operator of the C-130 Hercules, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. Both Norway and Denmark have already selected the C-130J, alongside more than 20 other nations.
MilDef states that the two organisations will identify opportunities for cooperation through the partnership, with MilDef's solutions and expertise to be integrated into Lockheed Martin's global aerospace and defence industry ecosystem. Dagens Industri reports that MilDef's share price rose 4.1 per cent in early trading on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.
"This partnership underlines the importance of industrial cooperation in delivering the best possible solution to the end customer. We are truly honoured to have been selected by Lockheed Martin as their local partner for this important programme and look forward to working together," said Daniel Ljunggren, Chief Executive Officer and Group President of MilDef Group, in the press release.