Saab Demonstrates Deployable Corrosion Protection and Control Capability
Saab hosted the USAF Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO) in Ljungbyhed, Sweden from 25 August – 3 September 2025 to support the test and demonstration phase of the Deployable Corrosion Protection and Control Capability (DCPCC) program. Also present from the USAF were members of the 51st Maintenance Squadron from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea. The tests, conducted over a two-week period, validated a series of requirements associated with USAF aircraft paint and corrosion control operations.
The RSO awarded a contract to Saab in May 2024 to develop the DCPCC to address an urgent need across the USAF to modernize existing aircraft corrosion protection and control facilities. The great majority of these facilities are very old and unable to support the growing pace of aircraft corrosion control maintenance operations at USAF facilities around the globe.
The DCPCC leverages Saab’s Deployable Aircraft Maintenance (DAM) facility, which is a highly configurable and scalable aircraft hangar solution that is currently employed by several NATO countries to support aircraft operations in dispersed and austere locations. Along with DAM, the DCPCC incorporates an innovative paint and corrosion control module and a series of modern Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) containers. The resulting capability can support corrosion protection and control operations for various fighter aircraft fleets across the USAF. The DCPCC is a deployable solution that can also be scaled to accommodate larger aircraft fleets.
Michael Roquemore, Chief of the RSO Advanced Manufacturing Program Office, was complimentary of the close collaboration between the USAF and Saab during this effort. “The USAF was faced with a significant capability gap in the area of aircraft corrosion protection, and Saab was able to develop an innovative and flexible solution to meet the needs of our team at Osan Air Base”.
Jim Nemeth, Head of Saab’s Ground Support Equipment organization, was greatly appreciative of the opportunity to collaborate with the USAF to develop this important capability. “The USAF has been a tremendous customer throughout this program, and close collaboration was key to developing a new aircraft corrosion control capability that will greatly enhance aircraft maintenance operations at Osan Air Base”.
The DCPCC will be deployed to Osan Air Base in South Korea in early 2026. It will then be assembled and undergo final acceptance checks prior to being turned over to the 51st Maintenance Squadron, who will utilize this capability to support aircraft corrosion prevention and control activities for the 51st Fighter Wing stationed at Osan as well as aircraft from surrounding PACAF locations.
About the RSO
The Air Force Rapid Sustainment Office (RSO), a Division of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Combat Readiness Directorate, accelerates game-changing capabilities that sustain a modern Air Force. By exploiting new and emerging technologies, the RSO delivers sustainment and maintenance solutions at the speed of need to maximize warfighter readiness. Learn more here.