Saab’s long-term strategy remains firm
Saab will continue to grow internationally from a position as the dominant defence contractor in the Nordic region.
Develop new home markets
In several of Saab’s product and service areas, having local operations is critical to be considered as a supplier. Saab is currently a major supplier of defence materiel at a high system level in Sweden/Nordic region, South Africa and Australia. In these markets, Saab has a significant industrial presence and is already a long-term partner in the development of national defence and security solutions. The goal is to create similar relationships in other countries. To reach new markets and strengthen its current position, Saab continues to expand its local presence while utilizing cooperative projects and partnership solutions.
Expand operations in civil security
The market for civil security products and systems is clearly growing. Saab sees the potential for the sector to account for a significantly larger share of its sales over the next few years. The challenge for Saab is to effectively utilize its experience and competence in military technology in the civil market.
Broaden Saab’s industrial role
There is a clear trend among customers that want to outsource greater responsibility to defence contractors. This creates an opportunity for Saab to broaden its deliveries and become more of a system integrator. This could entail responsibility for everything from development, financing, operations and maintenance to phase-out of the system. These public-private cooperations will grow in importance and create opportunities in more markets globally.
Sell products directly to customers or as part of a Saab solution
Systems and products are almost always components in a larger, comprehensive solution. Final integration of these systems is done either by the customer, Saab or another company. Saab must be prepared to supply systems and products according to all these models. This means that its deliveries sometimes are part of a competitor’s solution.
Invest in increased market penetration
Products and subsystems in this segment are sold globally. Saab’s goal is to grow in select niches and generate an even higher share of sales from the international market. This requires a strong presence with local development and production. Saab must therefore strengthen its position in selected markets for its priority product areas.
Maintain competitiveness
technologically and in terms of price
Saab currently has a number of products that are global leaders – and the Swedish defence as a major, long-term customer. In order to maintain its leadership while increasing sales, Saab will have to self-finance a larger share of development costs and in the future will have to concentrate its product portfolio. Saab’s future development work will be done on its own and in collaboration with others in the market. Financing must also be secured through higher gross margins on sale of finished products and systems.
Investments in the development and export of Gripen
Further investments in Gripen’s development have already been approved and will remain a priority. This is vital in order to maintain cutting-edge aeronautics competence and for the export orders now being discussed. A leading position in aeronautics is of major strategic importance to Saab as a group. Among the things, long-term customer relationships create opportunities for sales by other parts of the Group.
Secure a position in the UAV market
Saab has been investing in the development of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for a number of years. It already has a number of interesting products and is participating in international development projects. The challenge at this point is to ensure that the products become established in the market now taking shape.