Saab has showcased a full-scale concept model of a future uncrewed combat air system during the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show.
At the Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden, Saab is presenting the A3-001, a full-scale concept model illustrating the potential evolution of future combat air capabilities. The concept envisions crewed and uncrewed platforms operating together as part of an integrated system.
The uncrewed platform builds on Saab’s aerospace development experience and could complement Gripen and future crewed combat air capabilities. The concept is intended for high-risk missions, including electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences and precision strike operations in highly contested environments.
Featuring low observability, a high degree of autonomy and the ability to operate across multiple domains, the concept represents a potential component of a future combat air capability.
“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. 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,” said Peter Nilsson, Head of Business Unit Advanced Programs at Saab.
“This separate Saab A3 system is our own concept for what could follow in the mid-2030s should Sweden decide to build on the work we are currently doing. Saab is well positioned to develop the next generation of combat air systems building on Gripen and GlobalEye, combined with our long experience in advanced aerospace systems,” Nilsson added.
The full-scale concept model is on public display during the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show and illustrates a potential future uncrewed component within a system-of-systems approach to air warfare.
