Saab looks to expand in space sector with new partnerships

HELSINKI, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Swedish defence group Saab said on Thursday it wants to take a broader role in the space industry by combining technologies and services from different companies into integrated systems, signing cooperation agreements with SSC Space, OHB Sweden and Ericsson.

• Saab said growing reliance on space-based solutions in communications, navigation, surveillance and early-warning systems was creating business opportunities for Swedish companies.

• "With space becoming increasingly important for defence and security, Saab wants to contribute to a stronger and more coherent Swedish capability in this domain," Head of Strategy and Technology Marcus Wandt said.

• The cooperation agreements cover areas including satellite systems, launch infrastructure, ground services, mission support and communications technologies.

• The companies did not disclose the financial details of the agreements.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto. Editing by Mark Potter)