Saab and Airbus have begun exploratory discussions on collaborating in unmanned combat aircraft, signaling a potential realignment within Europe’s fragmented defense landscape. The talks—confirmed separately by the CEOs of both companies—highlight surging interest in next-generation unmanned fighter systems and come at a moment of strategic uncertainty for Europe’s flagship Future Combat Air System (FCAS) project. While both firms stress that the conversations are independent of FCAS, industry observers view the moves as an early positioning exercise should Europe’s competing fighter-jet programs fail to converge.

Strategic Alignment as Europe’s Defense Alliances Shift
The proposed cooperation centers on developing unmanned aircraft designed to operate alongside and support existing crewed fighters such as the Eurofighter Typhoon and Saab’s Gripen E. These “collaborative combat aircraft,” often called loyal wingmen, are seen as essential for future tactical airpower as militaries pursue more distributed, flexible, and cost-effective force structures.

Saab CEO Micael Johansson noted that discussions with Airbus build naturally on existing industrial ties, including Saab’s Arexis electronic-warfare systems used on German Eurofighters. Johansson also acknowledged that Saab is in conversations with additional partners as Sweden charts its long-term fighter strategy following its exit from Tempest—now part of the GCAP program between the U.K., Italy and Japan. Although no decisions have been made, the signals suggest Saab is actively evaluating its strategic options ahead of a government decision expected by 2030, or potentially sooner.

Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury confirmed the talks, emphasizing strong collaboration with Saab in electronics and missile technologies. He reiterated that the discussions are forward-looking and not tied to uncertainties surrounding FCAS. However, the timing comes as France, Germany and Spain prepare for high-level discussions amid persistent friction over workshare and intellectual-property control in the €100 billion FCAS initiative.

Unmanned Systems Drive New Industrial Architecture
Both companies have intensified their focus on unmanned aerial systems as defense ministries accelerate investments in next-generation platforms. Airbus unveiled a model of its stealthy “Wingman” concept at the 2024 Berlin Airshow, showcasing a vision of unmanned aircraft capable of reconnaissance, electronic warfare and even combat operations.

Saab, meanwhile, recently received a Swedish government mandate to expand its studies into future manned and unmanned fighters. This initiative gained momentum after Sweden withdrew from the Tempest program in 2023, opting instead to pursue independent research while leaving the door open to future alliances.

Industry sources say that, depending on how FCAS evolves, cooperation between Saab and Airbus could become a springboard for broader consolidation in European airpower capabilities. With Europe currently divided between FCAS and GCAP, the emerging unmanned ecosystem could either deepen these fractures or provide opportunities for strategic alignment across programs.

The Stakes: Industrial Sovereignty and the Next Fighter Generation
The decisions made over the next two to three years will shape Europe’s aerospace industry for decades. Saab, one of the few companies globally with proven capability to design and manufacture fighter jets, is intent on preserving its role as an original equipment manufacturer. Johansson made clear that while partnerships are possible—and perhaps even necessary—Saab will not relinquish its sovereign design and manufacturing expertise.

The geopolitical context adds urgency. With rising defense budgets across Europe, increasing reliance on drones in modern conflicts, and shifting alliances driven by strategic competition, the next generation of airpower is becoming both an industrial and political priority.

Future Outlook
Should Saab and Airbus deepen their collaboration, the move could significantly influence Europe’s balance of defense industrial power, particularly if FCAS continues to face internal discord. The unfolding discussions around unmanned fighter systems offer a glimpse into a future where modular, interoperable platforms define the core of European air capabilities. Investors, policymakers and defense partners will be watching closely as both companies determine whether exploratory talks evolve into a cornerstone partnership for Europe’s airpower modernization.