Swedish defence giant Saab unveils stealthy supersonic fighter drone to fly with Gripen E

Swedish defense manufacturer Saab has unveiled a detailed prototype of a new stealthy, supersonic autonomous combat drone that may eventually serve alongside the Gripen E fighter jets. The company's A3 concept is part of its Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program, which aims to develop unmanned aircraft capable of conducting various missions such as air-to-air combat, strike operations, electronic warfare, and suppressing enemy air defenses.

To bring the ACP vision to life, Saab is developing two technology demonstrators - A1 and A2. The A1 demonstrator is set to begin flight tests, utilizing a General Electric F414 engine similar to that used in the Gripen E. This enables Saab to leverage existing technology and maintenance expertise associated with the frontline fighter. A2 will further test additional technologies vital to the aircraft's operational role, such as weapons and mission systems.

Saab envisions the Gripen E acting as a command and coordination platform, with autonomous aircraft like the A3 concept operating in tandem during combat missions. Pilots could direct multiple ACP aircraft while remaining outside heavily defended areas. The uncrewed aircraft might assume different roles, including carrying weapons, conducting electronic warfare, gathering intelligence, or attacking enemy air-defense systems.

The company foresees the potential of deploying multiple ACP aircraft alongside a single Gripen, forming a human-machine combat team. This approach would enhance sensor, weapon, and attack capabilities without the need for a pilot in every aircraft.