24 Feb Saab Grintek Defence: Building SA’s Next Generation of Engineers

Saab Grintek Defence is best known for its work in advanced defence technologies, but behind the engineering sits a longer-term ambition: building South Africa’s next generation of highly skilled technologists and engineers.

Through its local operations in Pretoria and Cape Town, Saab, Inc. Grintek Defence is using South Africa as a centre for deep technical capability, investing not only in electronic warfare, sensor systems and avionics, but in people, partnerships and skills development. Its decision to join Innovation City reflects that intent: to be part of an ecosystem that connects industry, academia and emerging talent in practical, future-focused ways.

We spoke with Jan Widerström, President and Managing Director of Saab Grintek Defence, about the company’s footprint in South Africa, its focus on building technical talent, why it joined Innovation City, and how it approaches innovation in high-stakes industries.

Innovation City Member Spotlight – Q&A

Q: For readers who may be less familiar with Saab’s presence locally, can you tell us a bit about Saab in South Africa and the African region?

As a subsidiary of Saab, known for its unique design and engineering innovations, Saab Grintek Defence (SGD) stands at the forefront of the South African defence industry.

We specialise in electronic warfare (EW) systems, building on a 50-year legacy, as well as sensor technology and avionics, delivering advanced solutions across air, land, and sea domains. Our systems protect aircraft, helicopters, land vehicles, and naval vessels, while providing critical signals intelligence for radar and communications interception. SGD is also a world-leading centre of competence for digital processing, microwave components, and antenna technology.

What truly sets SGD apart is our people. Over 450 skilled professionals across Pretoria and Cape Town bring expertise, innovation, and dedication to every project.

Additionally, we are a company committed to developing future talent through partnerships with local universities and schools and supporting community engagement.

Q: Saab works across both defence and civil security. How do you think about innovation in organisations operating in complex, high-stakes environments?

In high-stakes environments, innovation is about creating solutions that are both advanced and dependable. It requires careful planning, rigorous testing, and the ability to anticipate and manage risks, ensuring technology performs effectively under pressure.

Just as crucial is fostering collaboration across teams, encouraging diverse perspectives, and continuously learning from successes and challenges. This approach allows organisations to stay ahead, adapt quickly, and deliver impactful results even in the most complex and demanding situations.

Q: What role does South Africa play within Saab’s broader global operations?

South Africa plays a strategic role within Saab’s global operations. Through Saab Grintek Defence, the country serves as a centre for research, development, and production of advanced defence technologies, including electronic warfare, sensor systems, and avionics. These products are exported internationally, contributing directly to Saab’s global portfolio.

The South African operations also strengthen Saab’s innovation capabilities, supports local defence needs such as those of the South African Navy, and provides highly skilled employment, making the country a part of Saab’s worldwide presence.

Collaboration is often central to advanced technology development. Who does Saab typically collaborate with, and why are partnerships so important in your work?

Saab collaborates with a wide range of partners, including governments, defence forces, industry suppliers, research institutions, and universities. These partnerships are essential because developing advanced technology requires combining specialised expertise, access to the latest research, and practical operational insights. Collaboration ensures that Saab’s solutions are innovative, reliable, and tailored to meet the complex needs of customers worldwide, while also accelerating development, reducing risks, and fostering knowledge sharing across the global defence and security ecosystem.

Q: What drew Saab to Innovation City as a community and environment?

Saab was attracted to Innovation City because it provides a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where industry, research, and technology intersect. The community supports innovation, knowledge exchange, and the development of advanced solutions, while also offering access to skilled talent and resources that can help Saab contribute to South Africa’s long-term technological and skills growth.

Q: What are you hoping to gain from being part of the Innovation City ecosystem?

By being part of the Innovation City ecosystem, Saab hopes to become an active and visible contributor to Cape Town’s innovation community, rather than just a participant. We hope to build strong, practical partnerships with innovators, startups, academia and industry players to explore collaboration opportunities that drive real-world impact and sustainable growth.

At the same time, Saab hopes to elevate its brand presence in Cape Town’s innovation space and create a continuous flow of talent through engaging with emerging skills, future-focused thinkers, and the next generation of engineers and technologists.

Q: From your perspective, how can shared spaces and cross-sector ecosystems contribute to skills development and long-term capability building in South Africa?

Collaborative spaces and cross-sector ecosystems play a crucial role in developing skills and building long-term capabilities in South Africa. By bringing together industry, academia, government, and innovators, these spaces create opportunities for knowledge sharing, mentorship, and hands-on experience. They allow individuals to work on real-world challenges, access cutting-edge technologies, and learn from diverse perspectives. Over time, this not only equips people with technical and soft skills but also strengthens the country’s innovation ecosystem, fosters talent retention, and builds sustainable capabilities that support economic growth and competitiveness.

Q: How can members of the Innovation City community engage with or learn from Saab’s work?

Through collaboration opportunities and innovation-focused engagements, they can gain insight into Saab’s expertise and innovative solutions, while also engaging with us at Innovation City events and in direct conversations with the Saab team.

Q: Looking ahead, what would a successful first year at Innovation City look like for Saab?

A successful first year at Innovation City for Saab would be defined by building meaningful connections, exploring collaboration opportunities, and gaining insight into emerging technologies. It would also involve increasing Saab’s visibility in Cape Town’s innovation landscape, engaging with future talent, and establishing a strong foundation for partnerships that can deliver long-term impact.

Q: Where can people learn more about Saab’s work in South Africa and globally?

People can learn more about Saab’s work in South Africa and globally by visiting Saab’s official website at https://www.saab.com/, where detailed information about products, solutions, markets and projects is available, including specific information about Saab in South Africa.