Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Future Combat Aircraft Concept study, which Saab is a core part of, is due to finish by 2029. (Image: Saab)
Saab expects to fly an uncrewed “fighter-like” demonstrator by 2027, the company revealed at the Singapore Airshow 2026 – marking the next stage of its contracted Konceptet Framtidens Stridsflyg (KFS), or Future Combat Aircraft Concept.
The Swedish government in October 2025 extended the original March 2024 contract out to continue development work, which would cover the exploration of crewed and uncrewed platforms. The conceptual studies are being conducted between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Saab and GKN Aerospace.
Phase 1 of the concept programme included research and development work, concept studies and technology developments, according to Saab. Now, it is moving into
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
-
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
-
Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)
The single-engine multirole fighter jet is seeing heightened demand with a sizeable orderbook and expanding export potential, as Shephard summarises the aircraft’s latest orders and developments.
-
France earmarks further $11.6 billion for missiles and drones amid rearmament push
The revised funding allocation will see up to 23% of the additional budget put towards stockpiles of munitions, with the country’s GDP spending expected to reach 2.5% by 2030.
-
First GCAP contract marks milestone for Edgewing, while UK waits on further funding
The design and development contract is set to run until the end of June and will now enable the partnership to drive the programme forward as it targets its 2027 demonstrator date.