Swedish Air Force Historic Flight to Showcase Rare Saab Aircraft at Southport Airshow 2025
Aviation enthusiasts have something extraordinary to look forward to in 2025, as the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight prepares to bring two of its rarest and most revered aircraft—the Saab 32 Lansen and the Saab J35J Draken—to the Southport Airshow. This performance promises to be a standout moment, blending the thrill of vintage military aviation with the rich legacy of Swedish engineering.
The Southport Airshow, a cherished event on the UK’s aviation calendar, will host these magnificent machines, giving spectators a chance to witness history in motion. For those who live and breathe aircraft, this display is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of design, skill, and preservation.
Saab 32 Lansen / Air2Air over Sweden in 2024
The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, formed in 1998, is the driving force behind this eagerly awaited appearance. Based at the Skaraborg Wing (F 7) in Sweden, this dedicated association keeps a fleet of former Swedish Air Force aircraft alive and flying, all registered under civilian Swedish markings. Their mission is simple yet ambitious: to maintain these historic planes in airworthy condition and share them with the world through dynamic displays. Their collection spans decades of Swedish aviation, featuring everything from early jet fighters to reconnaissance platforms, but it’s the Saab 32 Lansen and the Saab J35J Draken that will take centre stage at Southport.
The Saab 32 Lansen, a versatile two-seat jet, first took to the skies in the 1950s, serving the Swedish Air Force in roles ranging from ground attack to reconnaissance. Known for its transonic capabilities, the Lansen was a workhorse of its era, blending rugged reliability with sleek design. Today, the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight (SwAFHF) proudly operates three J 32B variants—night and all-weather fighters restored to flying condition and registered as SE-RMD, SE-RME, and SE-RMF for civil operation. Remarkably, no major modifications were required beyond adding a GPS and modern radio to enhance navigation and communication, allowing these historic aircraft to grace airshows worldwide, including the anticipated Southport Airshow in 2025.
Developed by SAAB as an evolution of the original Lansen, the J 32B boasted significant upgrades, earning it the nickname “Lansen Sport.” Its first flight occurred on January 7, 1957, and 120 units were produced between 1958 and 1960. Powered by the RM 6A engine—a license-built Rolls-Royce Avon Mk 47A with a Swedish-designed afterburner (EBK 61)—it delivered approximately 40% more thrust than the earlier RM 5A. The J 32B was armed with four IR-homing Rb 24 missiles (AIM-9B Sidewinders), unguided m/57 air-to-air rockets in pods of 19, and twin 30 mm Aden m/55 cannons in the nose, each with 90 rounds. A pioneering infrared search and track sensor (IRST) under the left wing root made it one of Europe’s first aircraft with passive target detection, complementing its radar and integrated sighting systems for both air and ground engagements.
Each airframe carries a rich history:
-SE-RMD (32542): First flew on March 13, 1959, and was delivered on May 13, 1959. It served across multiple wings, including F 1 Västerås (fin 42), F 12 Kalmar (52), F 4 Frösön (42), F 15 Söderhamn (63), F 3 Malmen (23), F 13 Bråvalla (23), and F 16 Uppsala (23), before returning to F 3 Malmen (23). Now with SwAFHF as fin 23, it’s a frequent airshow performer, its polished silver finish a standout feature.
-SE-RME (32606): Took flight on December 17, 1959, and was delivered on March 7, 1960. Its journey included F 1 Västerås (06), F 4 Frösön (06), F 3 Malmen (34), F 13 Bråvalla (34), and F 16 Uppsala (34), returning to F 4 Frösön (06). Restored with meticulous care, it flies with SwAFHF as fin 06, embodying the group’s dedication to authenticity.
-SE-RMF (32620): First flew on March 14, 1960, and was delivered on May 18, 1960. Primarily stationed at F 1 Västerås (20), with brief assignments at FC Malmen (21 and 20) and F 12 Kalmar (20), it now bears SwAFHF fin 20. With only about 1900 flying hours as of March 26, 2024, it’s the least-flown of the trio, preserving its condition remarkably well.
While all three remain airworthy, it’s uncertain which Lansen will appear at Southport in 2025. Regardless, the chosen aircraft’s throaty engine roar, classic swept-wing silhouette, and Cold War-era legacy will captivate spectators, offering a thrilling tribute to Sweden’s aviation heritage.
Saab J35J Draken / Belgian Air Force Days 2023
Equally captivating is the Saab J35J Draken, a Cold War-era fighter-interceptor that revolutionised aerial warfare with its audacious double-delta wing design. Engineered to shatter Mach 2, this Swedish marvel was crafted to safeguard neutral skies with blistering speed and razor-sharp agility. The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight keeps two of these iconic warbirds aloft: the single-seat J35J, bearing the civil registration SE-DXR, and its two-seat sibling, the SK35C, registered as SE-DXP. The J35J, SE-DXR, is the confirmed headliner for the Southport Airshow in 2025, its sleek, predatory profile—sharp nose and dramatically swept wings—evoking the Draken’s formidable legacy. Meanwhile, the SK35C SE-DXP, often seen soaring in training or demo roles, offers a unique glimpse into this design’s versatility. Both aircraft are lovingly maintained, their airworthiness a testament to the SwAFHF’s dedication.
The J35J’s journey to Southport hinges on its civil registration, SE-DXR, earned with minimal tweaks—just a GPS and modern radio slotted into the cockpit to meet today’s navigation and communication demands, preserving its authentic Cold War soul. This airframe’s storied past is etched in its fin numbers: F 13 Bråvalla (56), F 12 Kalmar (56), F 10 Ängelholm (50 and 56), and now SwAFHF F 10 (56), a living chronicle of Swedish air power. Technically, it’s a beast: stretching 15.34 meters long with a 9.42-meter wingspan, it tips the scales at 8,282 kg empty and up to 12,770 kg loaded. Its RM-6C turbojet churns out 5,845 kg of dry thrust, surging to 7,880 kg with afterburner, propelling it to Mach 2 and a ceiling above 15,000 meters. Armed to the teeth, it wielded Rb 24 J (AIM-9J Sidewinder) and Rb 74 (AIM-9L) missiles, alongside M/55 Aden 30 mm cannons, making it a lethal interceptor.
The Draken’s double-delta wings—a stroke of genius from 1949 studies led by SAAB’s Erik Bratt—blended high-speed prowess with low-speed finesse, enabling takeoffs and landings in a mere 500 meters. Yet, this brilliance came with a quirk: the “Superstall,” a perilous stable stall at high angles of attack, where the jet could plummet earthward with no forward motion. Pilots were trained to dodge this trap, a challenge that added to the Draken’s mystique. From its first flight in 1955, it evolved through variants—J 35A to J 35F—culminating in the J35J, a late upgrade with enhanced radar and weaponry that served until 1998. With over 770,000 flight hours logged by Sweden’s fleet, and service in Denmark, Finland, and Austria, the Draken’s roar still echoes. SE-DXR’s Southport debut promises a breathtaking spectacle, its dragon-like form slicing the sky—a tribute to an era when innovation ruled the air.
The Southport Airshow itself is no stranger to such spectacles. Held annually in the coastal town of Southport, UK, the event has built a reputation for delivering memorable aviation displays, drawing crowds eager to see everything from modern jets to vintage warbirds. The Swedish Air Force Historic Flight has graced the show before, cementing a special connection with the audience. Past performances have featured other gems from their fleet, like the barrel-shaped Saab 29 Tunnan and the angular Saab 37 Viggen. These displays have consistently thrilled onlookers, showcasing the precision of the pilots and the timeless appeal of Swedish aircraft. The 2025 event builds on this legacy, promising another chapter in an already storied relationship.
For the team at the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, bringing the Lansen and Draken to Southport is about more than just logistics—it’s a labour of love. Maintaining these aircraft demands countless hours of work, from sourcing rare parts to fine-tuning engines that haven’t been in production for decades. Yet the payoff is clear: the chance to share these flying relics with a new generation of enthusiasts. The Lansen’s low, rumbling pass and the Draken’s piercing climb are sounds and sights that bridge the past and present, reminding us of an era when these machines ruled the skies.
As 2025 draws closer, the buzz among aviation circles is growing. The Southport Airshow has always been a highlight for those who appreciate the art of flight, but the addition of the Saab 32 Lansen and Saab J35J Draken elevates it to something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned plane-spotter or simply curious about aviation history, this performance offers a rare window into Sweden’s aerial heritage. Mark your calendars—the skies above Southport are about to come alive with the roar of legends.
Visit the official Southport Airshow website to discover all the exciting details and updates regarding this remarkable airshow by clicking here.
