Saab wins $303 million order from Sweden for work on future combat aircraft

STOCKHOLM, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Swedish defence group Saab said on Wednesday it had received an order worth around 2.9 billion crowns ($302.99 million) from Sweden for continued work on future military aircraft.

Saab, maker of the Gripen fighter jet, said in a statement that it will develop new technologies for future manned and unmanned combat aircraft. The contract period is 2026-2028, with options to extend through 2030.

Prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Sweden is racing to build up its military strength, and has become NATO's newest member.

Saab in August showcased a full-scale concept model of a future potential unmanned combat air system.

($1 = 9.5713 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Anna Ringstrom, editing by Terje Solsvik)