This aircraft have served for more than 60 years with the Swedish Air Force.

Sweden bid farewell to the Saab 105, known as the SK 60 in national service, after over six decades of faithful service.

Sweden retired the Saab 105 (SK 60) jet trainer

The twin-seat, twin-engined jet trainer, which first took flight in 1963 and entered Swedish Air Force inventory in 1967, was officially retired on June 18. The decommissioning ceremony, held at Malmen Air Base near Linköping, marked the end of an era for the aircraft.

“It has served us so well — we have had the SK 60 in the Swedish inventory since before I was born. It has served so well, but it is now old,” remarked Brigadier General Tommy Petersson, Deputy Commander of the Swedish Air Force, reflecting on the aircraft’s extensive service history.

The Flygskolan, Sweden’s Air Force flight school, was the final military operator of the SK 60, graduating its last group of students recently. Approximately 25 SK 60s remained active with the school until retirement.

Longest-serving operational aircraft

For nearly six decades, the SK 60 trained virtually all Swedish Air Force pilots, becoming a symbol of aviation excellence in Sweden.

The retirement of the SK 60 also marks the end of Saab’s longest-serving operational aircraft. As Sweden transitions training practices, transport pilots will train with the US Navy, while helicopter pilots will continue their training in Germany, a tradition established over the past 15 years.

During the farewell ceremony, Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman symbolically transferred a logbook to Noomi Eriksson, director of the Air Force Museum, commemorating the aircraft’s legacy.

Despite its retirement, the SK 60’s impact on Swedish aviation and its role in cherished traditions, such as the annual Christmas tree flight, will long be remembered by aviation enthusiasts and the Swedish public alike.