Fighter jet firm Saab raises 2009 sales outlook

STOCKHOLM, Oct 23 (Reuters) - Swedish aerospace company SAAB (SAABb.ST) posted a fall in third-quarter operating profit as customers delayed bigger orders, but raised its full-year sales forecast as a steady stream of smaller deals flowed in.

Operating profit for the group, maker of the Gripen fighter jet, fell to 871 million crowns ($126 million) in the third quarter from 975 million in the year-ago quarter.

Sales rose by 8 percent to 16.9 billion crowns and the company raised its forecast for the full year, saying it now saw sales rising about 5 percent from 2008 levels, having previously just guided for an increase.

"During the first nine months we saw delays in customer decision-making processes globally, which impacted larger order bookings," Chief Executive Ake Svensson said in a statement.

Orders amounted to 11.4 billion against 16.1 billion in the year-ago quarter.

"At the same time, we saw a steady inflow of small and medium-sized orders, and we signed important strategic contracts, including Public-Private Partnership agreements with the Swedish Armed Forces," Svensson said.

Saab gave no further information about its bid to sell Gripen fighters to Brazil.

The Brazilian airforce wants to buy 36 fighter jets, though the number could rise to more than 100 aircraft.

Saab is competing with France's Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA) and U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co (BA.N) for the contract. (Editing by Will Waterman)