2025-02-05
Digitalisation Revolutionises Gripen E – Outpacing in Speed
With advanced simulation and vast data volumes, Saab can update the Gripen E at record speed – leaving competitors behind. In October 2023, the first serially produced JAS 39 Gripen E was delivered to the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). Later this year, the model will become fully operational within the Swedish Air Force. Behind this success lies a digital revolution reshaping the battlefield for fighter aircraft.
“In aviation, product cycles typically span 15 to 20 years. If you’re fast, you might manage three. With Gripen E and F, we’ve built a solution that allows us to do this on a daily basis. That’s when you realize something truly disruptive is happening in the aviation world – and it’s happening right now in Sweden,” says Johan Segertoft, Head of the Gripen Business Unit at Saab, in “Digitala influencer-podden”t.
Simulation and AI Drive Extreme Efficiency
Using a digital twin, Saab’s engineers can test and develop the Gripen E in a virtual environment before implementing changes physically.
“Most of the process happens digitally. Physical tests are merely used to validate our simulations. It can be difficult to grasp,” says Segertoft.
The digital transformation has also dramatically increased the volume of data.
“A single test flight generates a terabyte of data. And it never stops. With AI and machine learning, we can now process these vast data volumes in ways that provide insights we’ve never had before.”
Gripen E Updates in Weeks – Competitors Need a Year
Saab’s digital approach has led to an unparalleled pace of development.
“Our cycle time from insight to a new solution is two weeks. The fastest competitor takes twelve months,” says Segertoft.
Listen to the full conversation in “Digitala influencer-podden” – available every Thursday on all major podcast platforms.