Saab CEO urges EU countries to get defence projects off the ground

By Niklas Pollard

KARLSKOGA, Sweden, May 27 (Reuters) - Defence group Saab's SAABb.ST CEO on Tuesday urged European governments to step up getting EU-backed projects off the ground and said a military spending boom was only just beginning.

The Swedish defence company is riding the biggest boom in demand since the end of the Cold War as Europe scrambles to re-arm in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and signs U.S. priorities may be shifting away from the region.

"I think we are only in the beginning of the spending," Saab CEO Micael Johansson said during a presentation at the company's plant in Karlskoga, central Sweden. Saab makes a wide range of military gear including fighter jets, surveillance systems, missiles and submarines.

"I think Europe will create more and more respect the more we take our own responsibility," he added. "Spending more (on) European (defence) is absolutely a trend I believe will be valid going forward."

The European Union on Tuesday approved the creation of a 150 billion-euro ($170.7 billion) EU arms fund to provide loans for defence projects, with a strong "buy European" element.

"The next hugely important step is to quickly get going," Johansson told Reuters. "The countries have to step forward and say 'we want to take the lead here'."

The company reiterated its 2023-2027 targets for organic sales growth of around 18% with operating income rising even more. Johansson said the goals would be revisited, probably next year, with growth set to continue well beyond 2027.

Saab last updated its financial targets in February.

Its order intake last year set a new record while its shares have doubled since the turn of the year, hitting a new all-time-high this week.

Saab, which competes with giants such as U.S. Lockheed Martin LMT.N, France's Dassault Aviation AM.PA and Britain's BAE Systems BAES.L, said it was focused on ramping up capacity as well as new partnerships and acquisitions.