Saab Unveils Stealth Supersonic Fighter Drone for Next-Generation Autonomous Air Combat

Saab has unveiled 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, Sweden. Designated A3-001, the concept illustrates a potential future combat air capability in which crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate together as part of an integrated system.

The Saab supersonic fighter drone concept is intended to explore how an autonomous, low-observable uncrewed aircraft could complement Gripen and future crewed combat aircraft during high-risk missions.

Saab Fighter Drone Concept Targets Future Air Combat

The A3-001 concept represents Saab’s vision for a potential future uncrewed component of an integrated combat air system.

According to Saab, the aircraft could complement existing and future crewed combat platforms and support missions in highly contested environments.

Potential missions identified by the company include:

• Electronic warfare
• Suppression of enemy air defenses
• Precision strike operations
• High-risk combat missions

The concept incorporates low observability, a high degree of autonomy and the ability to operate across multiple domains.

Crewed and Uncrewed Aircraft Could Operate Together

Saab is exploring future combat air architectures in which crewed and uncrewed platforms operate as part of a coordinated system.

The A3-001 model illustrates how an uncrewed aircraft could become one component within this broader system-of-systems approach to air warfare.

“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.”

Saab Plans Uncrewed Demonstrators Before 2030

Saab said it intends to fly uncrewed demonstrator aircraft with fighter-like characteristics before 2030.

The A3 concept represents a separate Saab initiative illustrating what could follow during the mid-2030s if Sweden decides to continue development based on the current technology work.

“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,” Nilsson said. “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.”

A3-001 Displayed at Swedish Armed Forces Air Show

The full-scale A3-001 concept model is being publicly displayed during the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show at Malmen Air Base.

According to Saab, the aircraft illustrates a potential future uncrewed component within a system-of-systems approach to air combat.

The Saab supersonic fighter drone concept provides a look at the company’s potential direction for future uncrewed combat aircraft as it explores low-observable, autonomous systems designed to operate alongside crewed platforms.

Source: Press release from Saab