Saab to launch air defence systems production in Ukraine
Photo. Saab
Ukraine and the Swedish defence company Saab have signed an agreement to jointly produce air defense systems. The deal was concluded under the „Build in Ukraine” initiative, which aims to attract foreign defense companies to establish manufacturing facilities directly on Ukrainian territory.
According to the Militarnyi portal, the cooperation will include not only equipment assembly but also technology transfer and training of Ukrainian specialists. The project is intended to enable faster delivery of modern defense systems to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and integrate the country into the global defence production chain.
According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence, the „Build in Ukraine” initiative is designed to establish a sustainable foundation for an independent defense industry, which in the future will help reduce reliance on foreign supplies. Already, more than 25 defence companies from Europe and North America are operating in Ukraine at various stages of localizing production. Among them are Britain’s BAE Systems, which cooperates with Ukraine on the production of L119 howitzers, and Germany’s Rheinmetall, which is developing repair and armoured vehicle production centers.
The Swedish company Saab, known for its advanced defence solutions, has long expressed interest in launching a factory in Ukraine. Last year, the company’s CEO emphasized that cooperation with the Ukrainian defense industry is „not only strategically necessary but also morally obvious.” Saab offers a wide range of air defense systems: from portable RBS 70 NG launchers, through mobile short-range MSHORAD systems, to modern Giraffe AMB and Giraffe 4A radars. The company also recently unveiled the Nimbrix missile, designed for countering drones, capable of engaging targets at distances of up to five kilometers.
The new production facilities are expected to allow Ukraine to implement technology more quickly under wartime conditions and enhance national security amid ongoing air attacks. The joint production effort will also stimulate the growth of Ukraine’s technology sector and create new jobs, which holds major social and economic significance during wartime.
