Saab respects Korea’s need to invest in local industry and independent national capabilities and is ready to support these ambitions through in-depth transfer of technology and industrial cooperation, says Henrik Lönn, President, Saab International Technology Korea.

In an interview, Lönn speaks on many topics, including the company’s presence in Korea and the APAC region, the market potential of its GlobalEye AEW aircraft, and transfer of advanced military technologies.

Earlier this year, Saab Unveiled a GlobalEye AEW Variant for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) E-X Phase 2 program. Tell us more.

GlobalEye is the most modern and advanced system of its kind on the market and the only solution capable of early detection of threats in the air, sea and land domains from a single platform. By seamlessly integrating simultaneous multi-domain surveillance and facilitating seamless information exchange and connectivity, GlobalEye elevates data into a powerful and indispensable asset.

GlobalEye empowers Air Forces to confront and combat next generation threats with its long- range, low-signature detection capabilities, complemented by frequent high-level updates. With complete interoperability seamlessly woven into its design, GlobalEye emerges as a tailor-made solution ideally suited to meet the specific needs of the Korean Air Force.

Do you believe the GlobalEye AEW aircraft is an ideal fit for ROKAF’s needs?

GlobalEye easily works alongside current systems, making it a seamless fit for ongoing operations while boosting surveillance capabilities. Due to ongoing production and faster deliveries, it allows existing and new systems to benefit from each other’s strengths and technological advances. GlobalEye’s communication system is designed to adapt to both old and new ways of communicating, including the latest security needs in the battlefield.

Today, GlobalEye stands alone as the system that not only provides cutting-edge technology but also empowers the Republic of Korea with genuine technology transfer, operational control, and a path to strategic independence. Through an industrial cooperation program with Saab, the Republic of Korea gains the advantage of enhancing its critical radar technology expertise. This collaboration also fosters the development of domestic lifecycle capabilities, supporting local defence products and services, and ultimately contributing to Korea’s continued technological advancement.

How important is region Asia Pacific for Saab? Is the company currently in discussions with potential customers in the region?

Asia Pacific has been a key market region for Saab with our products in service with regional users since the 1990’s. These initial product sales have grown into a broad installed base that includes most of Saab’s product portfolio. Our systems are in use in many countries, and we now have a regional HQ in Singapore and offices in India, Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, South Korea and Japan.

In Australia, Saab established development and production 35 years ago and we now have more than 800 employees there. In India, we will invest further to establish a manufacturing facility for the Carl-Gustaf shoulder launched weapon system.

Electronic warfare capabilities are now an essential part of military arsenal. What does Saab have to offer in this field that is different from the rest?

Saab’s electronic warfare offer includes self-protection systems protecting aircraft, helicopters, land vehicles, naval vessels and submarines. We also provide signals intelligence systems for passive interception and analysis of radar and communication signals, giving improved situational awareness from airborne, land based and naval platforms. At ADEX, we are showcasing three products from our EW portfolio.

Countermeasures Dispenser System BOL: An electromechanical dispenser that offers an intelligent system solution to counter RF and IR threats that can be installed into missile launchers, conformal housings, pylons, fuselage or external pods.

IDAS (Integrated Self-protection suite): Saab’s Integrated Defence Aids Suite (IDAS) is a proven self-protection suite for airborne platforms.

Sirius compact: A modular and scalable passive Electronic Warfare (EW) sensor network, providing a true force-multiplier by enhancing situational awareness through silent detection, classification and prioritisation of radar and datalink emissions.

How important is South Korea for the company’s business?

The Korean market is of significant importance for Saab for a several reasons. The Republic of Korea has remarkable investments in the development of its indigenous defence industry gaining relevance and consolidating its position made as a strategic player on the global stage. The dedication demonstrated by the Republic of Korea has resulted in significant advancements in several areas of the defence segment, including, but not limited to missile technology, fighter aircraft, autonomous systems and cybersecurity.

Saab recognizes the importance of ROK and is committed to the long-term success of our presence in the market through continued investments, the increased establishment of strong local partnerships and a relentless dedication to supporting the growth of the Korean defence industry.  

What are some of the South Korean defence programs that the company is currently involved in?

Saab’s major footprint in the Republic of Korea is the supply of Arthur weapons locating radars that now play a vital role in the defence and protection of Korea’s people. To support the Arthur program Saab established a unique performance-based logistics capability in the country that ensures reliable and cost-effective operations for these essential systems 24-hours a day.

In addition to the Arthur radars, Saab been a supplier to the ROK in several different areas of defence including Naval Sensor systems, Air and Maritime Traffic Management systems, Underwater systems, Aerospace systems and Missile systems. Saab has also been part of the Fighter development program supporting ROK in the development of its indigenous AESA Radar solution.

The indigenous South Korea defence industry has grown at a fast pace in recent years. How do you view this development?

In addition to heavily investing in R&D and innovation in its own operations, Saab’s way of doing business is focused on fostering partnerships and collaborations within our customer countries. We collaborate closely with industries, government agencies and academia to ensure our products and solutions are state of the art and adapted to local and international standards and requirements. Through customised offerings, Saab has contributed together with partners to several successful projects that contributes to industrial development and economic growth in the customer country.  

Saab’s industrial cooperation and customised partnerships are part of our business offering to provide the Republic of Korea with a foundation for business and job creation, technology transfer and investments, supporting the country’s interest in developing strategic know-how. The goal is to create value for both parties, such as transfer of technology and skills.

Please elaborate on the market demand in the Asia Pacific region for the company’s radar family?

Saab is a world leader in surface-based radar systems including air, surface and coastal surveillance, air defence, weapon location and sense and warn. Our radar solutions have been used operationally in Asia for many years.

Saab’s success with our surface radar portfolio is based on several factors such as the operational performance of the systems, the high level of availability in demanding environments and the access to responsive in-service support from Saab and our local partners in the region. Based on these, Saab has developed a reputation for delivering capability to an expanding customer base. While Saab continues to support and upgrade existing products, the significant investment we make in new radar solutions and facilities in Asia means that we are well positioned to deliver class leading radar capabilities to regional customers well into the future.