Swedish Air Force
{{Short description|Air warfare branch of Sweden's military}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Swedish Air Force
| native_name ={{lang|sv|Flygvapnet}}
| image =150px
| image_size =
| alt =
| caption =Coat of arms of the Swedish Air Force
| start_date ={{start date and age|1926|07|01|df=yes}}
| disbanded =
| country = {{flag|Sweden}}
| allegiance =
| branch =
| type =Air force
| role = Aerial warfare
| size = 2,700{{cite book |last=IISS |title=The Military Balance 2022|year=2022 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-032-27900-8 |page=151}}
| command_structure = Swedish Armed Forces
| garrison =
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| nickname =
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| march = {{ubl|{{lang|sv|Flygvapnets Defileringsmarsch}}|{{small|(English: "March of the Swedish Air Force"), by Helge Damberg}}}}
| mascot =
| anniversaries =
| equipment =207 aircraft
| equipment_label =
| battles = {{blist
|Winter War{{cite web |url=http://www.smb.nu/index.php/finlands-krig/1199-i-luftstrid-oever-lappland |title=I luftstrid över Lappland |first=Lars |last=Gyllenhaal |website=Svenskt Militärhistoriskt Bibliotek |access-date=11 December 2012 |language=sv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714055944/http://www.smb.nu/index.php/finlands-krig/1199-i-luftstrid-oever-lappland |archive-date=14 July 2013 }}|Congo Crisis|Afghanistan War|2011 military intervention in Libya}}
| battles_label =
| decorations =
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| flying_hours =
| website =
| current_commander =
| commander1 =MajGen Jonas Wikman
| commander1_label =Chief of Air Force
| commander2 = BGen {{interlanguage link|Tommy Petersson|sv}}
| commander2_label =Deputy Chief of Air Force
| commander3 = Col Dennis Hedström
| commander3_label =Chief of the Air Staff
| notable_commanders =Bengt Nordenskiöld
| identification_symbol =80px 80px
| identification_symbol_label =Roundel
| identification_symbol_2 =
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| identification_symbol_5 =
| identification_symbol_5_label =
| identification_symbol_6 =
| identification_symbol_6_label =
| aircraft_attack =
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_electronic =Saab 340 AEW&C, Gulfstream IV-SP
| aircraft_fighter =JAS 39 Gripen
| aircraft_helicopter =A109LUH, NH90, UH-60M
| aircraft_helicopter_attack =
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_patrol =
| aircraft_recon =
| aircraft_trainer =Grob G 120TP
| aircraft_transport =C-130H Hercules, Saab 340B, Gulfstream IV-SP, Gulfstream G550
| aircraft_tanker =
| aircraft_general =
}}
The Swedish Air Force ({{langx|sv|Svenska flygvapnet}} or just {{lang|sv|Flygvapnet}}) is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.
History
File:DH.98 Mosquito NFXIX MM638 RSwAF RWY 10.49 edited-2.jpg night fighter of the Swedish Air Force in 1949]]
The Swedish Air Force was created on 1 July 1926 when the aircraft units of the Army and Navy were merged. Because of the escalating international tension during the 1930s the Air Force was reorganized and expanded from four to seven squadrons.
= World War II =
When World War II broke out in 1939 further expansion was initiated and this substantial expansion was not finished until the end of the war. Although Sweden never entered the war, a large air force was considered necessary to ward off the threat of invasion and to resist pressure through military threats from the great powers. By 1945 the Swedish Air Force had over 800 combat-ready aircraft, including 15 fighter divisions.
A major problem for the Swedish Air Force during World War II was the lack of fuel. Sweden was surrounded by countries at war and could not rely on imported oil. Instead domestic oil shale was heated to produce the needed petrol.{{cite book |last1=Prien |first1=Charles |editor1-last=Yen |editor1-first=T.F. |editor2-last=Chilingarian |editor2-first=George V. |title=Oil Shale |date=1976 |publisher=Elsevier |location=Amsterdam |isbn=0444414088 |page=236 |chapter=Survey of Oil-Shale Research in the Last Three Decades}}
About 250 aircrew were killed in crashes 1939-1945 according to statistics that were not disclosed during the war years but published afterwards.{{cite web |url=https://militarhistoria.se/1900-tal/svenska-flygvapnets-dodliga-facit |title=Svenska flygvapnets dödliga facit |date=17 February 2018 |website=Militarhistoria.se |language=sv |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215172243/https://militarhistoria.se/1900-tal/svenska-flygvapnets-dodliga-facit |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
=Expansion during the Cold War=
File:Swedish Airforce P51D Mustang.jpg]]
The Swedish Air Force underwent a rapid modernization from 1945. It was no longer politically acceptable to equip it with second-rate aircraft types. Instead, the Air Staff purchased the best it could find from abroad, e.g. P-51D Mustangs, De Havilland Mosquito NF.19 night fighters and de Havilland Vampires, and supported the development of top performance domestic models. The Saab 29 Tunnan jet fighter was introduced around 1950.
In the late 1950s the Swedish Air Force introduced the Bas 60 air base system, which revolved around force dispersal of air squadrons across many wartime air bases in case of war in order to make it complicated for an opponent to destroy the air force on the ground. Road runways were also introduced as backup runways. Bas 60 was developed further into Bas 90 during the 1970s and 1980s.{{cite web |url=http://www.fht.nu/Dokument/Flygvapnet/flyg_publ_dok_flygbassystemet_bas_60.pdf |title=Flygbassystem 60 |last=Rystedt |first=Jörgen |date=1 October 2005 |website=Försvarets Historiska Telesamlingar |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055713/http://www.fht.nu/Dokument/Flygvapnet/flyg_publ_dok_flygbassystemet_bas_60.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=http://www.fht.nu/Dokument/Flygvapnet/flyg_publ_dok_flygbassystem_90.pdf |title=Flygbassystem 90 |last=Rystedt |first=Jörgen |date=25 April 2009 |website=Försvarets Historiska Telesamlingar |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031100611/http://www.fht.nu/Dokument/Flygvapnet/flyg_publ_dok_flygbassystem_90.pdf |archive-date=31 October 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/siteassets/5-information-och-fakta/historia/vagbaserna/fortv-2007-1.pdf |title=Svenska militära flygbaser |last=Törnell |first=Bernt |date=5 February 2007 |website=Försvarsmakten |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170603214913/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/siteassets/5-information-och-fakta/historia/vagbaserna/fortv-2007-1.pdf |archive-date=3 June 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{cite web |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/siteassets/5-information-och-fakta/historia/vagbaserna/fortv_rapport_2006.1.pdf |title=Svenska reservvägbaser |last=Andersson |first=Lennart |date=23 November 2006 |website=Försvarsmakten |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170604001219/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/siteassets/5-information-och-fakta/historia/vagbaserna/fortv_rapport_2006.1.pdf |archive-date=4 June 2017 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
During the Cold War large amounts of money (including funds intended for the Swedish nuclear weapons programme) were spent on the Swedish Air Force and domestic aircraft production. In 1957 Sweden had the world's fourth most powerful air force,{{cite web |url=http://www.flygvapenmuseum.se/en/Restaurant/About-the-Swedish-Air-Force-Museum/The-growth-of-the-Air-Force/ |title=The Growth of the Air Force |website=Flygvapenmuseum |date=1 May 2010 |access-date=29 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314210105/http://www.flygvapenmuseum.se/en/Restaurant/About-the-Swedish-Air-Force-Museum/The-growth-of-the-Air-Force/ |archive-date=14 March 2012 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} with about 1,000 modern planes in front-line service.{{cite web |url=http://www.sfhm.se/upload/Flyg/Barn%20och%20skola/Flygvapnet%2080%20%C3%A5r/Flygvapnet%2080%20%C3%A5r.Pdf |title=Flygvapnet 80 år |website=Statens försvarshistoriska museer |language=sv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120318150441/http://www.sfhm.se/upload/Flyg/Barn%20och%20skola/Flygvapnet%2080%20%C3%A5r/Flygvapnet%2080%20%C3%A5r.Pdf |archive-date=18 March 2012 }} During the 1950s, it introduced fighters such as the Saab J 29 Tunnan, Saab A 32 Lansen and Saab J 35 Draken.{{citation needed|date=December 2018}}
In June 1952 the Swedish Air Force lost two aircraft on Cold War operations, in what became known as the Catalina affair. A signals intelligence Douglas DC-3 was intercepted by Soviet MiG-15s over the Baltic, and shot down with the loss of three aircrew and five civilian technicians. A PBY Catalina rescue seaplane was then also downed, the five-man crew being rescued from the sea by a freighter.{{Cite news |title=TP 47 - Flygvapenmuseum |url=https://flygvapenmuseum.se/utstallning/tp-47/ |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240813191204/https://flygvapenmuseum.se/utstallning/tp-47/ |archive-date=2024-08-13 |access-date=2025-01-23 |work=Flygvapenmuseum |language=sv-SE}}
In the air defense role the Swedish Air Force also operated surface-to-air missiles. Svea Air Corps (F 8) operated de Havilland J-28B Vampire jet aircraft in 1949 being replaced in 1953 by Saab J-29 Tunnan and in 1957 by J-34 Hunter fighters. As of 1961 F 8 reroled into missile defence role becoming the air force technical training centre for using the new RB-68 Bloodhound systems in 2 squadrons until 1974.
These Swedish units also operated the RB-68 missile system (1 squadron each):
- Scania Wing, also F 10 Ängelholm
- Kalmar Wing, also F 12 Kalmar,
- Bråvalla Wing, also F 13 Norrköping
- Blekinge Wing, also F 17 Kallinge,
== Death toll during the Cold War ==
In the Cold War era, more than 600 Swedish fighter pilots were killed in crashes during peacetime exercises and training in the 1945–1991 period.{{Cite episode |title=Pilotdöden – vårt okända nationella trauma |url=https://sverigesradio.se/sida/avsnitt/165076?programid=407 |access-date=15 December 2018 |series=Vetenskapsradion Historia |station=Sveriges Radio |date=14 March 2013 |language=sv |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215172635/https://sverigesradio.se/sida/avsnitt/165076?programid=407 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} In the 1950s–60s era the flight training curriculum was deficient and the training regimes were too risky and some aircraft types had design flaws. In the 1950s, about 21 pilots were killed annually.{{Cite news |url=https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/inloggad/nu-utreds-massdoden-inom-flygvapnet/ |title=Nu utreds massdöden inom flygvapnet |date=29 April 2013 |newspaper=Expressen |language=sv |access-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215172242/https://www.expressen.se/nyheter/inloggad/nu-utreds-massdoden-inom-flygvapnet/ |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
In the 1960s the average number of killed were 13 per year, which meant Sweden had sixfold mortality rate per 100,000 flight hours compared to the United States. In the 1960s flight safety started to become a consideration, not due to the death toll but because the aircraft were getting increasingly expensive. In October 1960, a Lansen fighter crashed into a farmhouse and killed 7 people. In the 1970s the death toll was reduced to 6–7 per year. In subsequent years, it continued to fall and from 1996 onwards, no fatal accident has been recorded.
=War service=
The Swedish Air Force has been involved in three wars, the Finno-Soviet Winter War in 1939–40, in which volunteers took part, the Congo Crisis, 1961–64, and in the 2011 Libyan civil war.
==Finland 1940==
When the Soviet Union attacked Finland in November 1939, Sweden came to its neighbour's assistance but eventually decided not to join the war.
A Swedish volunteer infantry brigade and a volunteer air squadron fought in northern Finland from January to March 1940. The squadron was designated F 19 and consisted of 12 Gloster Gladiator fighters and four Hawker Hart dive-bombers.
==Congo 1961–1964==
File:Saab SH37 Viggen, Sweden - Air Force AN1117576.jpg (1972–2005)]]
The Swedish Air Force saw combat as part of the United Nations peace-keeping mission ONUC during the Congo Crisis in 1961 to 1964. It established a separate air wing, F 22, equipped with a dozen Saab 29 Tunnans, which performed well under the rough conditions in central Africa. The secessionist adversaries possessed only a small number of aircraft with poor combat capabilities, e.g. Fouga Magister trainers.
=1990s restructuring=
With the end of the Cold War the Swedish Armed Forces underwent a massive restructuring process. During this time, several air bases were deemed unnecessary and closed with fighters like the Saab 37 Viggen retired prematurely. In 1994 the Air Force had over 400 fighters, by 2005 that number had sunken to fewer than 150.
=Libya 2011=
On 29 March 2011, the Swedish prime minister announced that eight Saab JAS 39 Gripens would support the UN-mandated no-fly zone over Libya.{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=Sweden plans to join Libya no-fly zone with fighter jets, but no ground attacks |website=Google News |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jw3Qqe1zaSabtDWOWUYayG001f8g?docId=6396348 |access-date=30 March 2011 |date=29 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402174837/http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5jw3Qqe1zaSabtDWOWUYayG001f8g?docId=6396348 |archive-date=2 April 2011 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }} The announcement responded to a NATO request for assistance. The Swedish fighters were limited to supporting the no-fly zone and were not authorized to engage in ground attack sorties. The deployment was approved by the Swedish Riksdag on 1 April 2011 and the first jets departed for Libya on 2 April. A C-130 Hercules accompanied the fighters for mid-air refueling.{{cite news |title=Swedish Gripen Planes Headed to Libya |url=http://www.thelocal.se/32972/20110402 |access-date=2 April 2011 |newspaper=The Local |date=2 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110404210500/http://www.thelocal.se/32972/20110402/ |archive-date=4 April 2011 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
Equipment
=Aircraft=
{{see also|List of military aircraft of Sweden}}
File:Gripen - RIAT 2009 (3743462918).jpg 2009]]
File:Agusta A109 (Hkp-15A) 15025 25 levels.jpg
File:S 100B at Malmen 2010-06-13 1.jpg in flight at the Swedish Armed Forces' Airshow 2010.]]
Note: Three C-17 Globemaster III's are available through the Heavy Airlift Wing based in Hungary{{cite web|url=https://www.sacprogram.org/en/Pages/Heavy-Airlift-Wing.aspx|title=Heavy Airlift Wing|publisher=Strategic Airlift Capability Program|access-date=17 April 2020}}
In 2025 the Swedish Air Force announced the intention to join the NATO MMR fleet together with the Danish Air Force.
=Weapons=
{{main|Swedish Air Force weapons}}
Organization
{{Location map+ |Sweden
| width = 360
| float = right
| relief = 1
| caption = Swedish Air Force bases 2024:
10px JAS 39C/D Gripen 10px Helicopters 10px Other bases
| places =
{{Location map~|Sweden
| label = {{nowrap|Skaraborg Wing}}
| position = bottom
| background = white
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 58 |lat_min = 26 | lat_sec = 10
| lon_deg = 12 |lon_min = 43 | lon_sec = 12
}}
{{Location map~|Sweden
| label = {{nowrap|Blekinge Wing}}
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 56 |lat_min = 15 | lat_sec = 19
| lon_deg = 15 |lon_min = 17 | lon_sec = 4
}}
{{Location map~|Sweden
| label = {{nowrap|Norrbotten Wing}}
| position = left
| background = white
| mark = Blue 0080ff pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 65 |lat_min = 32 | lat_sec = 30
| lon_deg = 22 |lon_min = 6 | lon_sec = 15
}}
{{Location map~|Sweden
| label = {{nowrap|Malmen Air Base}}
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Pink pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 58 |lat_min = 24 | lat_sec = 57
| lon_deg = 15 |lon_min = 37 | lon_sec = 31
}}
{{Location map~|Sweden
| label = {{nowrap|Uppland Wing}}
| position = right
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 59 |lat_min = 50 | lat_sec = 39
| lon_deg = 17 |lon_min = 38 | lon_sec = 21
}}
{{Location map~|Sweden
| label = {{nowrap|Vidsel Air Base}}
| position = left
| background = white
| mark = Green pog.svg
| marksize = 10
| lat_deg = 65 |lat_min = 52 | lat_sec = 31
| lon_deg = 20 |lon_min = 09 | lon_sec = 00
}}
}}
= Fighter wings =
There are four fighter wings:
- Skaraborg Wing (F 7), at Såtenäs Air Base, operates JAS 39C/D{{cite web |url=http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/Forband-och-formagor/Forband/Skaraborgs-flygflottilj-F-7/Nyheter/Julgran-markerar-slutet-for-en-epok/ |title=Förband och förmågor: Julgran markerar slutet för en epok |website=Försvarsmakten |language=sv |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130418072231/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/Forband-och-formagor/Forband/Skaraborgs-flygflottilj-F-7/Nyheter/Julgran-markerar-slutet-for-en-epok/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 April 2013}}
- Uppland Wing (F 16), at Ärna Air Base, reestablished in 2021 and without fighter divisions as of 2024{{cite web|url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2021/10/upplands-flygflottilj-ar-tillbaka/|title=Upplands flygflottilj är tillbaka|first=Kristoffer|last=Olofsson|website=Försvarsmakten}}
- Blekinge Wing (F 17), at Ronneby Air Base, operates JAS 39C/D
- Norrbotten Wing (F 21), at Luleå Air Base, operates JAS 39C/D
= Helicopter squadrons =
The aviation units that were formerly under the Swedish Army ("{{lang|sv|Arméflyget}}") and the Swedish Navy ("{{lang|sv|Marinflyget}}") have been merged with the helicopter units of the Air Force to form the single Helicopter Wing ({{lang|sv|Hkpflj}}) for the entire Armed Forces. The wing has been placed under the authority of the Air Force and consists of:
- 1st Helicopter Squadron, co-located with Norrbotten Wing at Luleå Air Base, operates NH90 TTH (Hkp 14)
- 2nd Helicopter Squadron, at Malmen Air Base, operates AW109 (Hkp 15) and UH-60M Black Hawk (Hkp 16)
- 3rd Helicopter Squadron, co-located with Blekinge Wing at Ronneby Air Base, operates NH90 TTH (Hkp 14) and AW109 (Hkp 15)
- 4th Helicopter Squadron, at Malmen Air Base, operates AW109 (Hkp 15) and UH-60M Black Hawk (Hkp 16)
= Other squadrons =
The air transport units perform airlift operations, and are used in both national and in international missions. The unit also organizes the Swedish part of the Heavy Airlift Wing in Hungary. Signals reconnaissance units conduct electronic combat reconnaissance and intelligence gathering.
- 71st Air Transport Squadron, co-located with Skaraborg Wing at Såtenäs Air Base, operates C-130H Hercules
- 74th Special Air Squadron, at Malmen Air Base, operates Gulfstream IV-SP, Saab 340 AEW&C and Saab 340
- 75th State Air Squadron, at Arlanda Air Base, operates Gulfstream IV
Future of the Swedish Air Force
File:Saab JAS-39E Gripen (53327257948) (cropped).jpg 2023]]
At RIAT 2022, the commander of the Swedish Air Force stated that the air force in the future (2030) will consist of 60 Jas 39C/D and 60 Jas 39E in a total of 7 fighter squadrons.
In November 2022, the Strategic Defence Plan was published in which it was announced that all NH90 helicopters will be phased out and replaced, additional Sikorsky Black Hawks will be ordered for the tactical transport role, a new medium sized helicopter for the ASW/ASuW role will be selected.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/sweden-to-axe-nh90-fleet-under-revised-defence-equipment-plan/150778.article|title=Sweden to axe NH90 fleet under revised defence equipment plan|date=2022-11-01|access-date=2023-12-17|publisher=Flightglobal|first=Dominic|last=Perry}}
= Saab JAS 39 Gripen E =
Currently the Swedish Air Force main fighter is the Saab JAS 39 Gripen, in the C/D versions. By 2018 95 fighters were active with about 30 of these being updated from the A version.{{cite news |url=http://www.svd.se/vart-tredje-jas-plan-taget-ur-drift |title=Vart tredje JAS-plan taget ur drift |trans-title=Every three JAS aircraft in service |first=Jonas |last=Gummesson |date=29 April 2015 |newspaper=Svenska Dagbladet |language=sv |access-date=5 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817122655/http://www.svd.se/vart-tredje-jas-plan-taget-ur-drift |archive-date=17 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}
The heavily modernised E version will augment the current fleet of Gripen C/D. The aircraft includes a new Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, an Infrared search and track (IRST) sensor and is powered by the improved General Electric F414G. Gripen E also has an increased maximum take-off weight, carries more fuel and has two more hardpoints than the Gripen C/D allowing it to carry more weapons.{{Cite web |title=Gripen E-series {{!}} Saab |url=https://www.saab.com/products/gripen-e-series |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Start |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Gripen C-series {{!}} Saab |url=https://www.saab.com/products/gripen-c-series |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Start |language=en}} The upgrade also includes the integration of new weapons like the Meteor air-to-air missile.{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/gripen-e-multirole-fighter-aircraft/ |title=Gripen E Multirole Fighter Aircraft |website=Air Force Technology |access-date=5 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726152712/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/gripen-e-multirole-fighter-aircraft |archive-date=26 July 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }} In 2013 Saab signed an agreement with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration for 60 new Gripen E. JAS 39E will join the Swedish Air Force in 2025 and is planned to remain in service until at least 2060.{{cite web |url=http://saabgroup.com/sv/media/news-press/news/2013-02/saab-signs-agreement-for-the-next-generation-fighter-aircraft-gripen-e-and-receives-development-order/ |title=Saab signs agreement for the next generation fighter aircraft Gripen E and receives development order |date=15 February 2013 |website=Saab Group |access-date=5 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821015259/http://saabgroup.com/sv/media/news-press/news/2013-02/saab-signs-agreement-for-the-next-generation-fighter-aircraft-gripen-e-and-receives-development-order/ |archive-date=21 August 2016 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}{{Cite web |title=Swedish Air Force Details Gripen E Introduction Timeline {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/swedish-air-force-details-gripen-e-introduction-timeline |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=aviationweek.com}}
= Next generation fighter jet =
The Swedish Air Force plans to retain its fleet of JAS 39C/D until some time after 2030. In an effort to replace JAS 39C/D the Swedish Air Force has formulated three options for the procurement of a new fighter jet with a desicion to be made in 2031 at the latest.{{cite web |year=2022 |title=Försvarsmaktens budgetunderlag för 2022 |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/siteassets/4-om-myndigheten/dokumentfiler/budgetunderlag/budgetunderlag-22-bilaga-1.pdf |publisher=Swedish Armed Forces}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=2023-11-07 |title=Sweden commits to future fighter procurement decision in 2031: Official |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2023/11/sweden-commits-to-future-fighter-procurement-decision-in-2031/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}
- Fully domestic development of a next generation fighter jet
- Joint development of a next generation fighter jet with other countries
- "Off-the-shelf" purchase of a foreign fighter jet
In an effort to maintain the possibility of persuing any of the three options SAAB was awarded a two year contract by the Swedish Air Force for concept studies for next generation fighter jet studies in 2024. The program, called KFS, includes the development of both a next generation manned fighter jet and unmanned systems such as loyal wingmen. The construction of technology demonstrators is planned during the second phase of studies which will commence in 2026.{{Cite web |title=Saab receives order for Swedish future fighter concept studies |url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/saab-receives-order-for-swedish-future-fighter-concept-studies |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Start |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=2024-05-22 |title=Saab teases future fighter demonstrator concepts, awaits direction from Sweden |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/05/saab-teases-future-fighter-demonstrator-concepts-awaits-direction-from-sweden/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=2024-12-18 |title=These Are Saab’s Concepts For Its Next Generation Fighter, Drones |url=https://www.twz.com/air/these-are-saabs-concepts-for-its-next-generation-fighter-drones |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}}
Sweden had signed a memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United Kingdom and Italy in 2021 regarding the joint development of next generation technologies for the Tempest fighter jet. Sweden would later walk away from the project which by then had evolved into GCAP citing differences between its requirements for a next generation fighter jet and those of the UK, Italy and Japan. {{Cite web |last=D'Urso |first=Stefano |date=2021-01-05 |title=Italy, United Kingdom And Sweden Sign Tempest FCAS Cooperation Memorandum Of Understanding |url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/01/05/italy-united-kingdom-and-sweden-sign-tempest-fcas-cooperation-memorandum-of-understanding/ |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=The Aviationist |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Sweden Preparing For Future Combat Aircraft Studies {{!}} Aviation Week Network |url=https://aviationweek.com/shownews/paris-air-show/sweden-preparing-future-combat-aircraft-studies |access-date=2025-05-24 |website=aviationweek.com}}
File:Lockheed Hercules C-130H of the Swedish Air Force (code 845) at RIAT Fairford 17July2017 arp.jpg at the 2017 RIAT, England]]
= Military transport aircraft =
The Swedish C-130 Hercules (TP 84) were bought from the United States in the 1960s and has been updated several times. The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has been tasked to update the aircraft so they can remain in service until 2030. In November 2024 the Swedish Air Force announced that it had selected the Embraer C-390 Millennium as its future military transport aircraft.{{Cite web |title=Portal Embraer |url=https://embraer.com/global/en/news/embraer-selects-thyssenkrupp-aeroespacial-brasils-ball-bearings-e2-family-aircraft?slug=1207480-sweden-selects-the-embraer-c-390-millennium-as-its-new-military-transport-aircraft |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=embraer.com |language=en}} As part of the Heavy Airlift Wing cooperation, Sweden also operates three Boeing C-17 which are located at Pápa Air Base in Hungary.
= Training aircraft =
Sweden used the Saab 105 as the primary jet-trainer until phase out per June 2024. About 40 planes were operational. Designed in the 1960s the aircraft is starting to show its age and were gradually phased out from active service. The Swedish Air Force selected the Grob G 120TP as its new Basic Trainer Aircraft, designated SK 40. 10 aircraft have been ordered and delivered but due to work environment problems caused by high workload the implementation of the new planes have been put on hold temporarily.{{Cite web |last=Sundgren |first=Linda |date=2023-04-14 |title=Akuta arbetsmiljöproblem på Flygskolan - införandet av SK 40 påverkas |url=https://officerstidningen.se/akuta-arbetsmiljoproblem-pa-flygskolan-inforandet-av-sk-40-avbryts/ |access-date=2023-05-15 |website=Officerstidningen |language=sv-SE}}
= Saab GlobalEye AEW&C =
Sweden will procure the Saab GlobalEye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platform to replace its two S100D/ASC890. The Swedish Armed Forces submitted an official request to the government to buy the Saab GlobalEye platform on October 1, 2021. On October 24, 2021 the Swedish government approved the purchase to replace its old S100D/ASC890.
On 30 June 2022 SAAB and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) signed a contract for the acquisition of 2 GlobalEye aircraft, to be designated S 106 in Swedish service. The deal is valued at 7,3 billion SEK (US$710 million) and deliveries was scheduled for 2027. The contract also included the option to procure up to 2 additional GlobalEye aircraft. After pledging its current Saab ASC 890 platforms to Ukraine, the GlobalEye delivery was expedited and 1 additional aircraft was ordered by the Swedish Air Force.{{Cite web |title=FMV tecknar kontrakt om tidigarelagd leverans av S 106 |url=https://www.fmv.se/aktuellt--press/aktuella-handelser/fmv-tecknar-kontrakt-om-tidigarelagd-leverans-av-s-106/ |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=www.fmv.se |language=sv}}{{Cite web |title=Saab signs contract with Swedish FMV for a third GlobalEye |url=https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2024/saab-signs-contract-with-swedish-fmv-for-a-third-globaleye |access-date=2024-12-29 |website=Start |language=en}}
Ranks
{{main|Military ranks of the Swedish Armed Forces}}
;Commissioned officer ranks
The rank insignia of commissioned officers.
style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/Sweden}} |
;Other ranks
The rank insignia of non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.
style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin:0 12px 12px 0;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}} {{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/Sweden}} |
See also
= Swedish military equipment =
List of equipment of the Swedish Armed Forces
- Swedish Air Force
- List of equipment of the Swedish Air Force
- Weapons of the Swedish Air Force
- List of military aircraft of Sweden
- Swedish Army:
- List of equipment of the Swedish Army
- Swedish Navy
- List of active ships of the Swedish Navy
- List of equipment of the Swedish Navy
- Swedish Home Guard
- List of equipment of the Swedish Home Guard
=People=
References
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
Further reading
- Annerfalk, Anders. Flygvapnet: An Illustrated History of the Swedish Air Force (Ljungsbro: Aviatic Förlag, 1999).
- Åselius, Gunnar. "Swedish strategic culture after 1945." Cooperation and Conflict 40.1 (2005): 25–44.
- Böhme, Klaus-Richard. The Growth of the Swedish Aircraft Industry: 1918-1945: the Swedish Air Force and Aircraft Industry (Sunflower University Press, 1988).
- Green, William and Gordon Swanborough. "The End of the Beginning...The Seversky P-35". Air Enthusiast, No. 10, July–September 1979, pp. 8–21. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
- {{cite magazine|last=Owers|first=Colin|title=Fokker's Fifth: The C.V Multi-role Biplane|magazine=Air Enthusiast |date=Spring 1994|issue=53 |pages=60–68 |issn=0143-5450}}
- Silvester, John. "Call to Arms: The Percival Sea Prince and Pembroke". Air Enthusiast, No. 55, Autumn 1994, pp. 56–61. {{ISSN|0143-5450}}
- Weibull, Alise. "The Swedish Armed Forces: Recent Developments and Future Strategy." in Giuseppe Caforio, ed., Cultural Differences between the Military and Parent Society in Democratic Countries (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2007) pp. 307–312.
External links
{{Commons|Swedish Air Force}}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20141022031004/http://www.forsvarsmakten.se/en/our-organisation/our-forces/the-swedish-air-force/ Swedish Air Force – Official site]
- [http://www.swafhf.se/ Swedish Air Force Historical Flight, SwAFHF]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20091005081425/http://www.mil.se/historia/1900.html History of the Swedish Air Force] {{in lang|sv}}
- [http://www.ww2wings.com/wings/sweden/swedenmain.shtml Information on Swedish military aviation]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20080302100507/http://www.sunnersberg.com/ Sunneberg – Information on Swedish aircraft] {{in lang|sv}}
{{Swedish Armed Forces}}
{{Air forces in Europe}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Authority control}}