SAAB SEES 5PC SALES GROWTH
Firm bullish on interest generated by jets and naval combat systems
SAAB Malaysia expects sales of its defence and security products in Malaysia to grow by five per cent this year. The company expects to achieve the target based on interest generated by the development of its latest fighter jets and naval combat systems.
“We have a target of five per cent organic growth each year, and expect to surpass last year’s target,” said Saab Malaysia head Thomas Linden, adding that the company made sales of RM100 million last year.
He said the outlook for the Malaysian defence industry was challenging, and this impacted the armed forces’ ability to spend.
“Economy and affordability are key challenges. What Saab is offering (in terms of products and services) would be competitive.”
He is optimistic, however, because he observed a marked increase in small and mediumsized orders, as well as seeing an opportunity when the armed forces undergoes modernisation.
Linden, who is also vice-president of Saab Asia Pacific, said global orders for its Gripen fighter jets were promising, adding that proposals for the jets had been submitted to the Royal Malaysian Airforce for Gripen’s E (single-seater) and F (twinseater) models.
The Malaysian unit of the Swedish specialist in defence and security has also submitted proposals to the Malaysian police for communications systems for its patrol boats, he said.
The details were divulged during Linden’s recent meeting with the media, where he also shared the company’s strategy for the region.
He also introduced Saab’s range of products ahead of the upcoming Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) exhibition, from March 21 to 25.
He also praised LIMA, saying the exhibition brought together a wide range of customers and allowed players in the defence and security sectors to showcase their latest products and services.
Linden said the company would promote Saab’s submarine model, the A26, at LIMA, and showcase replica models of the naval vessel.
Economy and affordability are key challenges. What Saab is offering (in terms of products and services) would be competitive.”
THOMAS LINDEN
Saab Malaysia head