One who hopes that the break in the NATO negotiations with Turkey will not be so long is Saab CEO Micael Johansson, who has looked forward to being able to more easily sell the company’s flagship Jas Gripen to other member states. A quick connection process would have been good for business, he believes.
– Being part of the alliance creates long-term credibility, both as a country and as a defense industry, says Micael Johansson to TV4 Nyheterna.
However, the Gripen is often in competition with the American F35 Lightning 2. And the European NATO countries have overwhelmingly chosen the American plane. Only Hungary and the Czech Republic have chosen the Gripen by leasing planes. And researchers say that the high costs of fighter aircraft development mean that alliance affiliation has become a factor.
See an interview with Micael Johansson in the clip above.