Swedish defense contractor Saab and Portugal’s Vangest Group have formalized an agreement to produce critical components for the Gripen E/F fighter jet at Vangest’s facility in Marinha Grande, north of Lisbon. The deal marks a significant step for Portugal’s aerospace sector.
Portugal’s air force currently operates aging F-16 fighters, and the Gripen is among the candidates being evaluated as a replacement. Saab’s Gripen division head Johan Segertoft said the collaboration will expand the company’s production chain and boost manufacturing capacity for the E/F variants.
Vangest’s established manufacturing expertise made it a natural partner.
The companies have not disclosed financial terms, the specific number of parts to be produced, or projected job creation figures. Still, local officials anticipate the arrangement will generate new employment opportunities in the region.
For what it’s worth, this isn’t Saab’s first international production partnership — but it does deepen the company’s footprint in southern Europe.
