Saab unveils A3-001 stealth drone concept, aims for first flight before 2030

Published Aug 22, 01:09 PM UTC

Saab has publicly displayed a full-scale model of its A3-001 uncrewed combat aircraft concept at the Jubilee Air Show in Linköping, Sweden. The company intends to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030. The concept is designed for missions such as electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses, and precision strike in contested environments, operating alongside Gripen and future crewed aircraft. Saab's Peter Nilsson stated the A3 system is the company's own concept for a potential mid-2030s follow-on, while demonstrator work is being done with the Swedish state. Sweden, which joined NATO in March 2024, has kept its options open after leaving the Global Combat Air Programme, focusing on incremental Gripen development and uncrewed systems. The A3 enters a crowded field of similar programs globally, but Sweden's approach emphasizes affordability and export potential.