Portuguese Saab and Vangest partner for Gripen components

A Saab and the Portuguese Vangest have agreed on a long-term partnership with the beginning of the production of “eight complex components” for Gripen E/F fighters in the group’s Navy Grande facility.

In a statement, Saab stated that cooperation is centered, “initially, on the industrialization of eight complex components for Gripen E/F fighters in the Vangest facility in the Big Navy.”.

According to the Swedish construction company, collaboration should create new qualified jobs in the Marinha Grande and the surrounding region, contributing “to the development of the local aerospace industry”.

Saab adds that “advanced manufacturing capabilities” and Portuguese group experience offer “a significant potential for further expansion” of the partnership in the coming years.

Cited in the document, Saab's head of Gripen Business Unit Johan Segertoft pointed out that increasing the production of these fighters requires strong industrial partnerships and that the relationship with Vangest expands the manufacturing network and strengthens production capacity.

Similarly, the head of the Swedish group pointed out that it gives “the Portuguese industry a concrete role in the Gripen programme”.

The executive president of the group with roots in Marinha Grande, Rune Bakke, noted that Saab is “a strategic partner for Vangest Aerospace” and that collaboration underlines the commitment to the development of Portugal’s aerospace industry.

“By combining our manufacturing experience with Saab’s international programs, we are building the capabilities and talent that will shape the sector in Portugal in the coming years,” said the person responsible.

In the document, Saab says that long-term partnerships with Portuguese companies aim to strengthen industrial capacities, promote innovation and create new growth opportunities.

“ A future selection of Gripen E/F by Portugal would offer more opportunities to deepen this cooperation, supporting the development of Portugal's aerospace and defence industry and strengthening its role in the European defence industrial landscape ", says the statement.

Portugal considers the replacement of its F-16 fighter squadron, which should be included in the new Military Programming Act, to be presented to parliament later this year, according to Lusa, on 19 September, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.

The deal for the replacement of combat aircraft is being fought between the Americans of Lockheed Martin (who produce the F-35 Lightning II), the Swedes of Saab (Gripen E), the European consortium including Airbus (Eurofighters Typhoon) and Dassault (Rafale).