ABOUT US
ABOUT US
Our story
ST AIRBORNE SYSTEMS
Learn our history through the words of former CEO Mr. Olov Fäst.
The roots of our operations trace back to the mid-1970s when the Swedish Coast Guard asked the newly formed Swedish Space Corporation (SSC) to study suitable remote sensing tools for tracking oil spills at sea—a pressing issue at the time, assigned to the Coast Guard by the Swedish government.
The study concluded that the necessary sensor equipment was not available on the market. Consequently, SSC developed a prototype SLAR (in collaboration with Ericsson) and adapted an IR/UV line scanner for this purpose (in partnership with Daedalus Enterprises).
In 1982, Mr. Olov Fäst joined the company and was tasked with creating an integrated surveillance system that utilised these advanced sensors aboard a newly acquired Cessna 402 C aircraft for the Swedish Coast Guard.
“As our capabilities grew, so did international interest. This culminated in our first international delivery to Rijkswaterstaat in the Netherlands, which later transitioned to the Dutch Coast Guard. This marked the start of our reputation for delivering dependable systems.” Former CEO, Mr. Olov Fäst explains.
The late 1980s saw significant changes in the Swedish Coast Guard as it became an independent authority, expanding its responsibilities in overseeing activities in Swedish waters. We equipped their new CASA 212 aircraft with our mission systems, showcasing one of these aircraft at the prestigious Paris Air Show. It was there that we caught the attention of Portuguese officials, who recognised our systems’ potential for fisheries surveillance. This led to a fruitful partnership with the Portuguese Air Force and the Department of Fishery Inspection, further solidifying our reliability and adaptability in meeting diverse operational needs.
Another notable milestone was our collaboration with the US Coast Guard, where our SLAR technology was employed for both ice patrol and oil spill detection. This partnership laid the groundwork for the development of our MSS 5000 system generation, enhancing our reputation for trustworthiness in mission-critical situations.
In 2014, we transitioned from SSC to become an independent entity—ST Airborne Systems. Our inaugural project as a standalone company was equipping an aircraft with the MSS 7000 for the Estonian Police and Border Guard, in partnership with Bromma Air Maintenance. This venture reinforced our commitment to providing reliable surveillance solutions tailored to the unique needs of our clients.
“As I reflect on our journey and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in the 2020s, I recognise that stepping down as CEO is a necessary move for our growth. Though my title may change, my commitment to ST Airborne Systems and our mission remains steadfast. I will continue to focus on nurturing customer relationships, and my hope is to leave behind a legacy of trust and reliability, ensuring that we provide innovative systems to protect our oceans and the environment—for generations to come.”
– Mr. Olov Fäst, Founder
Our next-generation systems
The future is here
Mr. Carl-Fredrik Hammarbäck joined ST Airborne Systems as the new CEO, poised to guide the company and lead the charge for our next-generation system—the MSS 8000.
With an educational background as economist from Uppsala University, Mr. Carl-Fredrik Hammarbäck has held various senior positions at SAAB for maintenance and modification activities for military and civilian aircraft and helicopters.
He’s served as GM for Saab’s global Regional Aircraft support, Marketing Manager, and Vice President and CFO for Saab Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Before joining us,
he worked as CFO at Skeldar, which develops and sells high-capability drones, where he contributed to achieving more stable financial management and a focused strategy.
His focus on the aviation industry’s aftermarket has provided him with deep market knowledge relevant to ST Airborne Systems focus areas, and since October 2023, we’re happy to say he has been our CEO.
WORD FROM OUR CEO
“We operate in an increasingly competitive industry, with growing global interest in the systems we offer. As a smaller, independent player, we must remain agile and responsive. We have significant strengths to offer: an in-depth understanding of customer operations, world-class systems, extensive customer knowledge, and a global presence.
These attributes are invaluable and must be preserved and expanded.
Our new generation of systems is under development, with the MSS 8000 newly launched, and will offer an innovative combination of performance, functionality, and pricing that we believe will resonate well with the market.”
Growing ST Airborne Systems
“I strive to make ST Airborne Systems an attractive workplace—fun and challenging—where creativity, openness, and harmony are encouraged. I believe job satisfaction and a positive work environment are crucial for innovation. Our team is close-knit, the atmosphere supportive, and our work highly engaging, with the international scope of our activities just adding to the excitement.
I believe strongly in ST Airborne Systems potential, our resources, and ability to expand our portfolio and grow as a company. The next couple of years, we will focus on growth and increasing our visibility in the market. I am convinced that ST will have a broader customer base, a wider portfolio and a larger market share looking a few years ahead.
OUR VISION
Our vision is for our systems to be the preferred choice for operators worldwide and recognised in the industry as the best value for money in terms of affordability, user-friendliness, and innovation.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to be the leading provider of advanced airborne surveillance systems for civil applications. By delivering innovative and reliable solutions, we assist countries and organisations in monitoring and protecting the environment, enforcing regulations, and ensuring public safety.
We focus on understanding our customers’ needs and fostering collaboration to achieve our shared goals. By leveraging over 40 years of experience and innovative technology, including artificial intelligence and enhanced cybersecurity, we provide superior value and an outstanding value offer based on performance vs investment cost through our products and services.
Our commitment is to contribute to global sustainability efforts while maintaining our position at the forefront of the industry. We aim to be the trusted partner for comprehensive airborne surveillance solutions.
Experience
Reliability
Expertise
Experience
Reliability
Expertise
OUR EMPLOYEES
THE FOUNDATION OF INNOVATION
Anders Marklund
Software Architect & Team Leader
“I get to work with the latest technology while making a meaningful impact—helping to protect the environment and improving safety at sea.”
Karin Trygg
Head of Staff & Support Function
“I strengthen our team or upgrade our processes, helping the company and its people succeed. Together, we’re building a workplace that I’m truly proud to call my own.”
David Rozenbeek
System Engineer
“Here I have the freedom to experiment, create, and collaborate. My input is encouraged and valued by both my managers & team, making my engineering skills truly shine.”