Sweden sees no sense in urgently joining the development of a European FCAS or GCAP sixth-generation fighter

Belgium recently officially became a member of the European sixth-generation fighter programme. Sweden is in no hurry to take this step.

Here's What We Know

Belgium has been granted observer status in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, which is led by Germany, France and Spain. There is also a parallel project, the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The UK, Italy and Japan are working here. Sweden is in no hurry to join one of the programs.

The main reason is that the Scandinavian country does not have an urgent need for a new fighter. Sweden has approved the purchase of 60 domestic Saab Gripen E jets. They will be flying until 2060.

Other countries are experiencing problems with fleet renewal. Aircraft from Britain, Japan and Italy will be in service until the middle of the next decade. The FCAS project countries will be able to build their sixth-generation fighter by 2040.

Right now, Sweden is not seeking new purchases. Instead, the country wants to eliminate problems that hinder its priority goals. For example, Sweden has already taken control of its Gripen pilot shortage, which has reduced flying hours by 12 per cent annually.

Source: Breaking Defense