Sweden is developing a new strategy for its next-generation fighters, Defense News reported.

Swedish Air Force Commander  Carl-Johan Edstrom said his service is developing a strategy that will address future fighter jet needs in light of budget increases. “We need to put out a new strategy, as a nation, for our fighter systems,” Edstrom said in a speech at the Royal Air Force Club in London. The service expects to complete the work in November.

In June, the Swedish Logistics Authority awarded Saab a 250 million kronor ($23.8 million) contract to study the development of a future fighter jet. The Swedish-headquartered aerospace company produces Gripen aircraft for the Swedish Air Force. The service plans to begin decommissioning its Gripen models in 2035, and Saab's study will serve as the basis for a strategy to replace those aircraft.

Asked if the country's membership in NATO would require the service to specialize in any areas, Edstrom said it was too early to say.

Because of Sweden's position as one of three Western countries, along with France and the United States, with a proven ability to build domestic fighters, he said, he expects that NATO “would like us to stay in that position and be a leading nation when it comes to developing the future fifth-generation systems.”

Edstrom said he is quite confident that the Swedish Air Force will create a seventh fighter squadron.According to Edstrom, this increase would require the purchase of Gripens to staff the squadron - probably 60 aircraft of the new E model and up to 60 C/D models.

The Swedish Air Force is also considering upgrades to its Gripen C/D fleet, including modern armament and a new radar system.