A3-001 concept explores the future of crewed-uncrewed combat aviation
Saab has unveiled a full-scale concept model of a future uncrewed combat air system at the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping, Sweden.
Designated A3-001, the concept provides a glimpse into Saab’s vision for the evolution of combat air capabilities, where crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate together as part of an integrated system.
The concept is being developed around the idea of using uncrewed platforms to complement existing and future crewed combat aircraft including the Saab Gripen. Saab sees such systems potentially playing an important role in missions where sending a crewed aircraft into a highly contested environment could carry significant risk.
Designed for High-Risk Missions
According to Saab, the A3-001 concept could be suited to a range of demanding missions including electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences and precision strike operations.
The concept incorporates low-observable characteristics and a high degree of autonomy. Saab also envisions the platform operating across multiple domains as part of a broader future combat air capability.
Rather than operating as a standalone aircraft, the concept is intended to illustrate how uncrewed systems could form part of a wider system-of-systems approach to air warfare.
The development of such systems could allow future air forces to distribute sensors, weapons and other capabilities across a combination of crewed and uncrewed platforms. This could provide commanders with greater flexibility while reducing the exposure of pilots during high-risk missions.
Demonstrators Planned Before 2030
Saab says it is currently working with Sweden on technologies that could form the foundation of the next generation of combat air systems.
Peter Nilsson, head of Saab’s Advanced Programs business unit, said the company intends to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030.
“We are currently in an intensive development phase where, together with Sweden, we are exploring technologies that will lay the foundation for the next generation of combat air systems.”
Nilsson said Saab’s work is intended to support Sweden as it considers future options for its combat air capability.
The A3-001 represents a separate Saab concept for a potential system that could follow this development work in the mid-2030s, should Sweden decide to continue building on the technologies currently being explored.
Building on Gripen and GlobalEye
Saab believes its experience with advanced aerospace systems provides a strong foundation for developing future crewed and uncrewed combat capabilities.
The company highlighted its experience with the Gripen fighter and GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft as key elements of its broader aerospace expertise.
The combination of advanced sensors, networking, autonomy and low-observable technologies is expected to play an increasingly important role in future air warfare.
The A3-001 concept therefore represents more than a new aircraft design. It illustrates Saab’s approach to future combat aviation in which different platforms work together, sharing information and capabilities across a connected battlespace.
The full-scale concept model is currently on public display at the Swedish Armed Forces Air Show, offering visitors a first look at Saab’s vision for a potential new generation of uncrewed combat aircraft.
While the A3-001 remains a concept, Saab’s planned flight demonstrations before 2030 could provide an important step towards evaluating the technologies required for future uncrewed combat air systems.
