Swedish defence giant Saab unveils stealthy supersonic fighter drone to fly with Gripen E
Swedish defence giant Saab has unveiled a full-scale concept of a new stealthy, supersonic autonomous combat aircraft that could eventually operate alongside Sweden’s Gripen E fighter jets, marking a major step in the company’s push into high-end unmanned combat aviation.The Swedish company’s A3 concept is part of its Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) programme, which envisions uncrewed aircraft capable of carrying weapons and performing missions such as air-to-air combat, strike, electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defences.The aircraft features a tailless configuration with a blended body, cropped wings and other shaping intended to reduce its radar signature. It is also designed with an internal weapons bay, allowing it to carry munitions without exposing them externally and potentially preserving its low observable characteristics.The A3 concept is being supported by two technology demonstrators, known as A1 and A2, which are intended to turn the ACP vision into flying hardware. Saab is using these demonstrators to test the technologies needed for a future autonomous combat aircraft before moving towards a more operationally representative platform.The first demonstrator, A1, is expected to begin flight testing as Saab works to develop the aircraft on an unusually accelerated timeline. It will use a General Electric F414 engine, the same engine family that powers the Gripen E, giving Saab an opportunity to build on technology and maintenance experience already associated with Sweden’s frontline fighter.A2 is intended to take the programme further by testing additional technologies linked to the aircraft’s operational role, including its weapons and mission systems. Together, the two demonstrators are expected to provide Saab with data on aerodynamics, propulsion, autonomy, sensors and other technologies that could eventually feed into the A3 design.The company envisions the Gripen E acting as a command and coordination platform, with autonomous aircraft operating ahead of or alongside the fighter during combat missions.Under this model, a Gripen pilot could direct multiple ACP aircraft while remaining outside some of the most heavily defended areas of the battlefield. The uncrewed aircraft could potentially be assigned different roles, including carrying weapons, conducting electronic warfare, gathering intelligence or attacking enemy air-defence systems.Saab has indicated that a future force could involve multiple ACP aircraft operating alongside a single Gripen, creating a form of human-machine combat team designed to increase the number of available sensors, weapons and attack options without requiring a pilot in every aircraft.
