Saab intends to take a broader role in the space domain as a system integrator, leveraging its expertise in sensors, communications and system integration to strengthen sovereign Swedish and Nordic capability across the space value chain. As a step in that direction, Saab has signed MoUs with SSC Space, OHB Sweden and Ericsson.

The aim of the three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) is to explore cooperation in key areas for future multi-domain and space-enabled capabilities.

Space is becoming increasingly important as a strategic, operational, and tactical domain within defence and security. Military capabilities are also becoming ever more reliant on space-based solutions within areas including communications, navigation, surveillance and early warning.

While a number of actors in Sweden have strong capabilities in many parts of the space value chain, Saab sees opportunities to connect these strengths more closely and combine technologies and capabilities into operational systems through partnerships.

“With space becoming increasingly important for defence and security, Saab wants to contribute to a stronger and more coherent Swedish capability in this domain by building on our experience in integrating advanced defence and security solutions. Our recently signed MoUs with SSC Space, OHB Sweden and Ericsson are important steps in that direction and reflect our ambition to take a broader role as a system integrator in the space domain,” says Marcus Wandt, head of Group Strategy & Technology at Saab.

Saab’s MoU with SSC Space sets out joint exploration of how Saab’s system integration capabilities could be combined with SSC Space’s services, such as ground station network, mission engineering, high-altitude platform services and orbital launch infrastructure including the Esrange Space Center. The ambition is to enable relevant space capabilities with the aim of supporting multi-domain operations.

The MoU with OHB Sweden focuses on how existing and future satellite systems and platforms can be integrated into Saab’s multi-domain solutions. The cooperation is intended to support stronger operational awareness, connectivity and resilience by integrating space-based capabilities into solutions across air, land, sea and cyber domains.

With Ericsson, Saab will explore opportunities for collaboration and will examine how terrestrial and space-based communication solutions can be integrated to support future defence, security and societal resilience.