Saab is showcasing a full-scale concept model of a future uncrewed combat air system at the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show, highlighting a possible evolution of future combat air capabilities in which crewed and uncrewed platforms operate together as part of an integrated system.
At the Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden, Saab is presenting the A3-001 concept, which illustrates how future combat air capabilities could develop through the integration of uncrewed platforms with crewed combat aircraft.
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.
According to Saab, the concept incorporates low observability, a high degree of autonomy and the ability to operate across multiple domains. These characteristics are intended to illustrate a potential uncrewed 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. It represents a potential future uncrewed component within a system-of-systems approach to air warfare.
