Såtenäs Air Base (F 7 Såtenäs)

Summary

Operating Country 🇸🇪 Sweden
Location 🇸🇪 Sweden
Status Active
UsageMilitary only
Year built1940
Operating OrganizationSwedish Air Force
Units
  • Skaraborg Wing
  • Transport Squadron

Description

Såtenäs Air Base is located near Lidköping in south-central Sweden, situated on the southeastern shore of Lake Vänern. The site, formerly the Tun estate, was purchased by the Swedish state in 1938 following a 1936 government decision to establish an air wing. The Skaraborg Wing (F 7) was commissioned at the location in 1940.

Historically, the base operated B 16A Caproni and B 17A aircraft during the 1940s. In 1946, the wing transitioned from bomber to attack operations with the A 21, supplemented by B 18 medium bombers between 1948 and 1951. The base commenced jet operations in 1951 with the A 21R, followed by the A 29B Tunnan in 1954 and the A 32A in 1956. A transport unit was established at the base in 1964. The wing operated AJ 37 Viggen aircraft from 1973 until the transition to the JAS 39 Gripen began in 1993.

Current operations are conducted by the Skaraborg Wing of the Swedish Air Force. The base serves as the main center for the JAS 39 Gripen system, where training for all Swedish Gripen pilots and foreign operators is conducted. It also hosts a transport squadron operating TP 84 Hercules aircraft for domestic and international missions.

The installation's infrastructure includes two crossing runways, a main hangar, and administrative barracks. Training operations utilize the Hattefuran range in Lake Vänern. The base hosts squadrons of JAS 39 multirole fighters and a fleet of TP 84 transport aircraft.

Location & Details

Map of Såtenäs Air Base
Coordinates58.4361°N, 12.7200°E
Runways
  • two crossing runways
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 19 January 2026