Saab showcases full-scale uncrewed aircraft concept
Saab presented a full-scale concept model for a future uncrewed combat air system at the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show. The A3-001 concept illustrates the potential evolution of future combat air capabilities.
Swedish defense company Saab displayed a full-scale concept model of a future uncrewed combat air system during the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping. The concept, designated A3-001, illustrates the potential evolution of future combat air capabilities, where crewed and uncrewed platforms operate together as an integrated system.
The uncrewed platform builds on Saab's established history of aerospace innovation and could serve as a complement to the Gripen fighter and future crewed combat air capabilities. The concept is envisioned for high-risk missions, including electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses, and precision strike operations in contested environments. Features such as low observability, a high degree of autonomy, and multi-domain operational capability are highlighted.
"We are currently in an intensive development phase where, together with Sweden, we are exploring technologies that will lay the foundation for the next generation of combat air systems," said Peter Nilsson, head of business unit Advanced Programs at Saab. "As part of this work, we intend to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030 as we support Sweden in considering their future options." Nilsson added that the separate Saab A3 system represents the company's own concept for what could follow in the mid-2030s.