Saab and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) have signed a new contract which means that Saab will continue to provide aerial firefighting aircraft as well as crew and logistics during 2024-2025.

Saab is currently operating four scooping firefighting aircraft on behalf of MSB and the new contract means that Saab will continue this provision 2024-2025. Saab and MSB have also signed a framework agreement which allows MSB to extend the service until 2027. This also includes options for up to six additional aircraft.  

The purpose is to support local the rescue services’ capability of coping with forest fires. Parts of the service is included in the EU’s common firefighting provision and can be ordered by the EU to support member nations. The aircraft are on standby at Skavsta Airport near Nyköping, Sweden, to be ready for missions in 180 minutes and can be deployed to other locations or provided at shorter standby times if the situation requires. 

“I am proud that Saab can continue to provide Sweden and the EU with fire fighting capability and this also underlines our ability to support Swedish society on the civil side,” says Lars Tossman, head of Saab’s business area Aeronautics. 

Saab has operated the AT-802F Fire Boss firefighting aircraft since 2020 and has carried out more than 60 operative missions in collaboration with MSB and local rescue services, with excellent results