Saab has identified Qatar as a priority market for long-term, sustainable growth, with the company emphasising its commitment to building on more than a decade of partnership.
“We are focused on building upon our existing foundation of over a decade of partnership. We're working to strengthen relationships with government and industry to support national defence and security priorities, while exploring how our advanced capabilities can contribute to Qatar's strategic objectives,” said Carl Johan Bergholm, senior vice-president and head of Business Area Surveillance at Saab.
Speaking to Gulf Times on the sidelines of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026), Bergholm explained that Saab’s approach in the Gulf is built on long-term collaboration with governments and industry.
“Partnerships are crucial to Saab's strategy across markets,” he said, pointing to strengthened government-to-government (G2G) relationships between Sweden and Qatar as opening new possibilities in the defence sector.
“Our approach involves working closely with Qatar's defence and security authorities, as well as local industry, to establish impactful and collaborative co-operation,” he added. Bergholm explained that this partnership-driven model ensures Saab’s solutions align with national priorities, from protecting borders to securing critical infrastructure.
Across the wider Gulf, Saab is committed to expanding its partnerships, said Bergholm. “Driven by growing demand for our wide-ranging offering, Saab is committed to strengthening its partnerships across the Middle East, working closely with both government and industry alike,” he pointed out.
While partnerships remain the cornerstone of Saab’s strategy, Bergholm also highlighted the company’s advanced surveillance and radar systems as examples of how technology supports regional defence priorities.
He pointed to GlobalEye, which he described as “the most advanced airborne early warning and control solution available today.” The system provides simultaneous air, maritime and ground surveillance from a single platform, supporting operations in peace, crisis and conflict.
Bergholm noted that Saab is also showcasing its Giraffe 1X radar, designed to counter drone threats. “This compact 3D AESA radar provides air surveillance, ground-based air defence support, and crucially, drone detection capabilities,” Bergholm said, adding that its software-based design allows detection of even small, slow-moving unmanned systems that traditional radars might miss.
In addition, Saab’s Coast Control Radar addresses maritime surveillance needs, according to Bergholm. “Our Coast Control Radar addresses the critical regional need for effective maritime surveillance and protection of coastal infrastructure,” he explained, noting that the system provides 360-degree coverage with early detection capabilities in complex coastal environments.
Bergholm also acknowledged the importance of platforms, such as Dimdex 2026, in reinforcing collaboration. “Dimdex is an important regional platform focused on maritime and joint domain defence, and Qatar's hosting of this event reinforces its role as a significant driver of collaboration and innovation in the Middle East,” he said.
