Saab unveils full-scale A3-001 uncrewed combat aircraft concept

Saab has presented a full-scale model of its A3-001 uncrewed combat aircraft concept at the Swedish Armed Forces’ Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping.

The design illustrates how crewed and uncrewed aircraft could operate together within an integrated future combat air system. Saab envisages the low-observable platform complementing the Gripen and future crewed fighters on high-risk missions.

Potential roles include electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences and precision strikes in heavily contested environments. The concept would feature a high degree of autonomy and the ability to operate across several domains.

Saab is currently working with Sweden to explore technologies for its next generation of combat air systems and intends to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030.

The company stressed that A3 is currently its own concept rather than a confirmed Swedish procurement programme. If Sweden decides to continue the development work, such a system could potentially enter service from the mid-2030s.