July saw Saab score a hat-trick of major defence contracts, cementing its position as a key player in NATO’s aerial power boost and European naval modernisation. With NATO snubbing Boeing for 10 GlobalEye orders, Saab’s Swedish roots didn’t deter the alliance from investing heavily in its airborne surveillance capabilities. Meanwhile, Poland selected Saab’s A26 submarine over competitors, highlighting Sweden’s growing role in Eastern Europe’s naval defence strategy. In a strategic move eastward, Ukraine signed a €2.5B deal for 16 Gripen E fighters, financing the purchase with an EU loan backed by UK support.