Saab to Jointly Produce Air Defense Systems With Ukraine

Ukraine and Swedish defense company Saab have agreed to jointly produce air defense systems.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense announced that the deal was reached under the Build in Ukraine initiative, which aims to attract foreign defense companies to establish production facilities in the country.

The initiative is designed to rapidly supply Ukraine’s Defense Forces with modern weapons while integrating the country into the global defense technology market.

Several major international defense companies are already operating or establishing production facilities in Ukraine.

• BAE Systems (UK) is working with Ukraine on the production and maintenance of L119 howitzers.
• Rheinmetall (Germany) is establishing repair and production centers for armored vehicles.
• Saab (Sweden) is launching a cooperation on the joint production of air defense systems.
• Northrop Grumman (U.S.) is finalizing details for joint ammunition production.

Additionally, companies specializing in advanced technologies, such as unmanned systems, cyber defense, and counter-drone solutions, are entering the Ukrainian market. This not only strengthens the country’s defense capabilities but also creates new jobs.

Currently, more than 25 foreign defense companies are at various stages of localizing production in Ukraine.

In September 2024, Saab’s CEO stated that the company aimed to establish production in Ukraine to bolster the country’s defense capabilities.

“We must help Ukraine build its own capabilities, so a partnership with Ukrainian industry is essential — both inside the country and abroad,” he shared.

Saab’s portfolio includes several air defense systems, such as the RBS 70 NG man-portable air-defense system, the MSHORAD mobile short-range system, and the Giraffe AMB and Giraffe 4A radar systems.

The company recently presented the Nimbrix anti-air missile, designed to counter small drones.

The missile has a range of up to 5 kilometers and is equipped with a seeker that can precisely track aerial targets.