Full Breakdown
Saab Q3 2026 Earnings Beat Expectations as Order Intake More Than Triples
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Results
On October 23, 2026, Saab AB announced third-quarter sales of SEK 20.6 billion, surpassing FactSet expectations of SEK 20 billion. Earnings before interest and taxes reached SEK 1.95 billion, also above the forecast of SEK 1.9 billion. The company’s order intake for the quarter rose to SEK 65.8 billion, up from SEK 20.9 billion a year earlier, driven primarily by a SEK 24.6 billion contract for 16 Gripen E fighter jets for Ukraine and a SEK 10.1 billion order for two GlobalEye airborne early-warning aircraft.
Data & Statistics
- Order intake: SEK 65.8 billion ($6.6 billion) vs. SEK 20.9 billion a year prior.
- Sales: SEK 20.6 billion, a 30.6 % organic increase.
- EBIT: SEK 1.95 billion, 42 % higher than the prior year.
- Backlog: SEK 364.2 billion at quarter-end, up from SEK 274.5 billion at the start of 2026.
- Key contracts:
- Gripen E for Ukraine – SEK 24.6 billion, signed June 30, 2026 with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV); deliveries slated for 2029-2030.
- GlobalEye – SEK 10.1 billion to an undisclosed Middle-Eastern customer, with delivery planned for 2030.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that demand “is very high” across Saab’s portfolio and that the company “can’t see any leveling off.” Johansson also noted ongoing efforts to persuade Canada to adopt a mixed fleet of Gripen fighters alongside its already-ordered F-35s, describing the proposal as “rational, it’s logic” but ultimately a political decision.
Impact and Outlook
The expanded order book strengthens Saab’s position in the European defense market and supports Ukraine’s air-force modernization. The GlobalEye contracts broaden Saab’s surveillance footprint beyond its traditional aeronautics segment, aligning with NATO’s interest in replacing aging AEW&C platforms. Analysts view the results as evidence that European governments are converting pledged defense spending into concrete acquisitions, a trend that could sustain Saab’s order flow through the late 2020s.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The growing customer demand is reflected in major contract awards, including Gripen for Ukraine, GlobalEye and an order related to Germany's new frigates,” — CEO Micael Johansson
- “Demand on our side is very high,” — Chief Executive Officer Micael Johansson, CEO
- “You’d get combat mass and dispersed air bases in a different way,” — Micael Johansson, CEO