Saab 2015 Annual Report Download - page 25

CORE AREAS
To stay competitive, operations are focused on ve
core areas: aeronautics, sensors, underwater systems,
command and control systems, and advanced
weapon systems, with training and support as
integral parts.
e core areas also share in common that they
are highly technological, complex and oer major
synergies. For example, Saab has developed sensors,
weapon systems, and the command and control
system for the Gripen combat aircra system.
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Research and development
Saab invests in areas where the Group is, or can be,
a market or technology leader.
In recent years, Saab has made major research
and development (R&D) investments in these core
areas to create or renew products and product
groups. Examples include the latest version of
Gripen, sensors, AESA radar technology, the ground
combat weapons Carl-Gustaf and AT4, and the Type
A26 submarine. ese investments enable Saab to
oer world-leading products and solutions that meet
the defence and security needs of its customers. In
2015, Saab continued to invest in an alliance with
Boeing to bid for the U.S. Air Force’s new jet trainer
as part of the T-X program.
In 2015, total investments in self- and customer-
nanced R&D amounted to MSEK 6,841, corre-
sponding to 25 per cent of total sales.
Market-driven renewal
Product renewal is oen done in close co-operation
with customers to ensure that Saab oers the most
advanced technology for applications that customers
want.
A good example of eective, market-driven
product renewal is the AT4 family, a highly success-
ful man-portable support weapon that has been
exported to 15 countries around the world. A strong
market position and demand from customers have
led to the development of improved versions with
extended reach and broader capabilities.
International focus
Tight competition in emerging markets increases
the need for a local presence, which is why Saab
intends to expand its international R&D partner-
ships. Collaborations with local companies lead to
better opportunities to participate in bids where
local R&D is a competitive advantage. Saab’s current
local co-operations in training, research, develop-
ment, and production also help the company to stay
on the forefront of technological innovation.
STRATEGY
PORTFOLIO
Saab invests in product innovation and makes strategic acquisitions
inan effort to continue to build a focused, market-oriented portfolio.
Investments are primarily in core areas where the Group has, or may
obtain, significant competitive advantages.
Groundbreaking technologies
Saab encourages employees to explore new areas
and use groundbreaking technology. In 2015,
Saab received an award as the rst company to
bring gallium nitride (GaN), a revolutionary,
semiconductive material, to the defence market.
GaN technology is used in the new generation
Girae radar system that Saab launched in 2014.
e new technology has contributed to a greater
range through higher output, increased bandwidth
and improved reliability.
Saab is also researching how the material
graphene, the thinnest, strongest and most
con ductive material ever created, can be used for
camouage and composites with completely
new capabilities.
In 2015, the Knut and Alice Wallenberg
Foundation, in close cooperation with four
Swedish ICT universities and other companies,
launched an extensive research program on
autonomous systems and soware. Wallenberg
Autonomous Systems Program (WASP)
comprises basic research, education and
researcher recruitment.
Saab’s Remote Tower air traffic control system
installed at Leesburg Airport in the US.
SAAB ANNUAL REPORT 2015 – 21