Saab is currently operating four scooping firefighting aircraft on behalf of MSB and the new contract means that Saab will continue this provision 2024-2025. Saab and MSB have also signed a framework agreement which allows MSB to extend the service until 2027. This also includes options for up to six additional aircraft.
The purpose is to support local the rescue services’ capability of coping with forest fires. Parts of the service is included in the EU’s common firefighting provision and can be ordered by the EU to support member nations. The aircraft are on standby at Skavsta Airport near Nyköping, Sweden, to be ready for missions in 180 minutes and can be deployed to other locations or provided at shorter standby times if the situation requires.
“I am proud that Saab can continue to provide Sweden and the EU with fire fighting capability and this also underlines our ability to support Swedish society on the civil side,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics.
Saab has operated the AT-802F Fire Boss firefighting aircraft since 2020 and has carried out more than 60 operative missions in collaboration with MSB and local rescue services, with excellent results.
About Saab
Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 20,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
