Saab 2015 Annual Report Download - page 6

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
2015 – A SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR SAAB
e security situation in our part of the world
deteriorated in 2015 and uncertainty increased.
Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to
ee their homes to neighbouring countries and
to Europe. Terrorism remained a real and serious
threat in many parts of the world, including Europe.
At the same time, we feel a sense of gratitude as
many people and governments joined together to
help those in need.
e geopolitical turmoil naturally has to be
addressed in dierent ways. It has clearly placed the
focus on security needs and each nation’s right to
defend itself. Many countries are now strengthening
their national defences and evaluating opportunities
to cooperate across borders. In the Nordic region,
we have seen how countries have become more
closely aligned on defence policy, at the same time
that France and the UK have announced their
intention to raise defence spending in coming years.
is is happening while parts of the world are
still recovering aer the nancial crisis in 2008 and
2009. Economic resources are limited. One of Saab’s
competitive advantages is the ability to develop and
deliver products that stand apart just as much for
their cost eciency as their exceptional functional-
ity and innovative technology. is strength is grow-
ing in importance to existing and potential partners.
R&D INVESTMENTS ARE ACHIEVING SUCCESS
Saab invests heavily in research in order to develop
world-leading technologies. Despite the company’s
relatively small size, it can oer a broad and competi-
tive product portfolio thanks to smart thinking,
international collaborations and the courage to try
new things. Innovation is part of Saab’s DNA, and
the materials and methods thought of as “rocket
science” a decade ago are now in production. Saab’s
research on the material graphene – the thinnest,
strongest and most conductive material ever created
– is an excellent example. Saab has also contributed
to a joint research centre (TTC) at Örebro University
focused on 3D printing and 3D X-ray.
Another important aspect of Saab’s R&D colla-
borations is creating environmentally sustainable
solutions.
One example is the Clean Sky Smart Fixed Wing
Aircra (SFWA). In another technologically
advanced project that Saab has participated in since
2008, a team of design engineers, designers, com-
posite engineers and aerodynamics engineers have
developed a new way to design and manufacture
aircra wings in carbon bre reinforced composites.
e xed wing, which was delivered in 2015, greatly
reduces fuel consumption, and with it environ-
mental impacts.
FOCUS ON BROAD-BASED PARTNERSHIPS
In 2015, Saab received a ground-breaking order
from Brazil for 36 Gripen. Part of the agreement
involves technology and knowledge transfers.
Around 350 Brazilian engineers will work at Saab
during the project. e programme will contribute
to the development of an independent, advanced
defence industry in Brazil. I am convinced that this
important programme will serve as a platform for
new business and contribute to growth in both
Brazilian and Swedish industry.
My fellow shareholders and others with an interest in Saab, 2015 was a successful year.
The company won several important orders, including for the Type A26 submarine to
Sweden, the Gripen combat aircraft to Brazil and a new airborne surveillance system to
the United Arab Emirates. These successes, combined with the hard work that was
done during the year, give the company a strong foundation to further build upon.
2 – SAAB ANNUAL REPORT 2015