Saab is a Swedish defence and aerospace manufacturer founded in 1937 to develop and manufacture combat aircraft. Its aviation history includes the Draken, Viggen and Gripen fighters, alongside civil aircraft and airborne surveillance systems. The modern business also includes defence activities beyond aviation, reflecting acquisitions and diversification over its history.[1]HistorySaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Formation
Saab emerged from Sweden's decision to strengthen domestic defence production during the 1930s. The Swedish parliament authorised a substantial expansion of the air force in 1936, and Saab was founded on 2 April 1937. Construction of its Trollhättan production hall began that autumn. The establishment of an aircraft industry served a national requirement to equip Swedish forces from domestic industrial resources during a period of increasing international tension.[2]An aviation industry is born – Saab’s early yearsSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[1]HistorySaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Aircraft heritage
Swedish combat-aircraft development became a central part of Saab's identity during the Cold War. Successive aircraft such as the Draken, Viggen and Gripen represented major national industrial programmes. Saab also diversified after the Second World War into civil aircraft, other applications and cars, and was combined with Scania from 1969 to 1995. This broader history should be separated from the company's continuing aerospace identity when the Saab name appears in different industries.[1]HistorySaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Airborne surveillance
GlobalEye illustrates a different aspect of Saab's aviation work: integrating a complete military mission system into an aircraft supplied by another manufacturer. It combines the Bombardier Global 6000/6500 business-jet platform with Saab's Erieye Extended Range radar, additional sensors and command-and-control equipment. The system is intended to detect and identify objects in the air, at sea and over land. Saab provides the integrated surveillance capability, while Bombardier supplies the underlying aircraft family.[3]GlobalEye AEW&CSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details
Partnerships and systems
Saab's international aircraft work includes Gripen production activity in Brazil and participation with Boeing in the T-7A training-aircraft programme in the United States. The company has also expanded its radar capabilities, notably through the acquisition of Ericsson Microwave Systems in 2006. In surveillance aircraft, that equipment is combined with communications, mission processing and operator facilities. These activities place Saab in several parts of the aircraft industry at once: designing aircraft, producing structures, supplying sensors and integrating operational systems.[1]HistorySaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details[3]GlobalEye AEW&CSaab · saab.com · Accessed 2026-09-13Open source details