Farnborough 2026: SwAF expands capabilities in line with NATO CONOPS

The SwAF received into service its first Saab JAS 39 Gripen E combat aircraft on 20 October 2025 at Skaraborg Wing (F7), southwestern Sweden. (Swedish Armed Forces)

The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) outlined the status of its procurement programmes as it revises its concept of operations (CONOPS) since Sweden joined NATO in March 2024.

Addressing a Swedish Air Force Fan Club event in London on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 held on 20-24 July, SwAF chief General Jonas Wikman told journalists including Janes that Sweden's defence strategy had changed from self-defence requiring combat power for the first days or weeks of a conflict to extended defence of Sweden outside its territory in readiness for a prolonged conflict. He said that in the air domain, offense has been added to the SwAF's previously emphasised defensive counter-air, including roles such as long-range deep strike.

However, he emphasised that the SwAF is continuing to develop its established expertise in dispersed operations, which has a lighter footprint than operating from a second or third air base, particularly as Sweden has several hundred landing areas available. He added, “We are sticking to the quick turnaround concept” taking 15 minutes with one officer and four conscripts to rearm and refuel a Saab Gripen for an air-to-air sortie. The service is developing ‘hot refuelling' and ‘hot rearming' techniques instead of shutting off an engine and expects to lower the time for this evolution from 15 to 10 minutes for an air defence mission.

Gripen E