Sweden awards C-UAS contracts to Saab, BAE Systems Bofors
AI Analysis
Sweden has awarded SEK 8.7 billion in contracts to Saab, BAE Systems Bofors, Nammo, and SISU under the GUTE II program for counter-UAS and air defense systems. The program includes mobile and stationary systems to protect critical infrastructure and military formations, with deliveries expected between 2027 and 2028.
Key Takeaways
- Sweden's GUTE II program involves a SEK 8.7 billion air defense procurement package.
- Contracts awarded to Saab, BAE Systems Bofors, Nammo, and SISU.
- Saab provides C-UAS detection, electronic warfare, and the Giraffe 1X radar.
- BAE Systems Bofors supplies the Tridon Mk2, a 40mm cannon system.
- Deliveries for the GUTE II program are scheduled from 2027 to 2028.
Why It Matters
This procurement enhances Sweden's ability to counter drone threats and protect critical infrastructure, reflecting a strategic shift towards mobile and flexible air defense systems. It also underscores Sweden's commitment to strengthening its territorial air defense capabilities amidst evolving aerial threats.
Sweden awards C-UAS contracts to Saab, BAE Systems Bofors
Sweden awards GUTE II counter-drone contracts to Saab, BAE Systems Bofors
ByClement Charpentreau
April 2, 2026
Aviation Saab
Sweden announced a SEK 8.7 billion (~$828 million) air defense procurement package on April 2, 2026, grouping contracts with Saab, BAE Systems Bofors, Nammo, and SISU under the program designation GUTE II.
The announcement was made by Defense Minister Pål Jonson alongside Army Chief Jonny Lindfors and representatives from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV).
Idag kan vi meddela att flera luftvärnsavtal till ett värde av 8,7 miljarder har slutits med leveranser 2027-2028. Luftvärnssystemen ska användas till skydd av kritisk infrastruktur och mot drönare. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/nLTi6gAKhu
— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) April 2, 2026
Mobile protection for forces and infrastructure
GUTE II is a modular, mobile system for countering unmanned aerial vehicles and low-flying threats such as helicopters. It can be mounted on vehicles for mobile operations or deployed in a stationary configuration and is intended to protect both military formations and critical civilian infrastructure including power plants, railway hubs, and population centers.
“Sweden is large and we cannot defend all places with air defense at the same time,” Jonson said. “The defense industry, together with the defense authorities, has therefore developed a mobile concept called GUTE. The idea is to be able to quickly move the anti-drone capabilities to meet different threat scenarios.”
Sensors, cannons, and electronic warfare
Trackfire weapon station (Saab)
The package draws on several distinct capability layers. Saab’s contribution covers C-UAS detection and electronic warfare components, including the Giraffe 1X radar, the Trackfire weapon station with a 30mm cannon, and advanced electronic warfare systems. BAE Systems Bofors supplies the Tridon Mk2, a 40mm cannon system mounted on a truck platform. Ammunition contracts were placed with Nammo, and vehicles, including trucks and the Terrängbil 24 light utility vehicle, are sourced from SISU. Command and control integration is also part of the package.
Saab separately announced its share of the contracts at approximately SEK 2.6 billion (~$247 million), with deliveries for the full GUTE II program running from 2027 through 2028. The Swedish Armed Forces will stand up territorial air defense companies for area protection in the coming years.
“It is more important than ever to invest in air defense capabilities,” Jonson said. “Protection against threats from the air is a high priority for the government and we will conclude more agreements to strengthen the Swedish defense.”
The contracts announced on April 2, 2026, execute part of two previously announced spending commitments: a January 2026 pledge of approximately SEK 15 billion for territorial air defense