At the Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden, Saab has showcased a full-scale concept model of a future un-crewed combat air system, designated A3-001.
The concept illustrates the potential evolution of combat air capabilities, with crewed and uncrewed platforms operating together as part of an integrated system. It could complement Gripen and future crewed combat aircraft, particularly in high-risk missions including electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences and precision strikes in highly contested environments.
Saab says the concept features low observability, a high degree of autonomy and the ability to operate across multiple domains.
Peter Nilsson, head of Saab’s Advanced Programs business unit, said the company is working with Sweden on technologies for the next generation of combat air systems and intends to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030.
He said the A3 system is Saab’s own concept for a possible platform for the mid-2030s, should Sweden decide to build on the current development work. Saab sees the system as a potential future uncrewed component of a broader “system-of-systems” approach to air warfare, building on its experience with Gripen, GlobalEye and advanced aerospace systems.
