History

Saab Bofors Dynamics was formed in 2000, but our history stretches back to the 17th century. We have evolved from a series of companies over the past 350 years into what we are today.

• The Bofors Iron Works were founded in 1646 in Karlskoga.

• Alfred Nobel acquired Bofors in 1894 and developed it into a modern company based on research and development.

• Bofors registered Svenska Aeroplan AB, SAAB, as a company in 1937 with its headquarters in Trollhättan.

• Saab launched its first missile in 1947, con-
 sidered the beginning of the Swedish missile industry.

• In 1948 the Carl-Gustaf system gave the individual soldier the improved ability to single-handedly destroy a modern tank.

• The world’s first laser-guided air defense missile, RBS 70, was introduced in 1977.

• In 1985, BILL became the world’s first anti-tank missile system with overfly top attack mode.

• STRIX, the world’s first guided, mortar launched weapon providing pinpoint accuracy was purchased by the Swedish Armed Forces in 1994.

• Saab acquired Celsius and combined Bofors Carl Gustaf and Bofors Missiles with Saab Dynamics to form Saab Bofors Dynamics in 2000.