Swedish defense giant Saab received contract from Defense Procurement Agency (FMV) for continuing work on creating future unmanned fighters.
As company officially reported, work includes creating flying and ground demonstrator samples, conducting advanced research and developing concepts for future manned and unmanned aircraft systems.
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Specifically receiving corresponding order was condition for continuing these works, voiced during technology demonstrator A3 showing at Malmen airbase in Linköping city August 24, 2026. Overall Saab should receive 2.9 billion Swedish crowns (approximately €260 million) for work during 2026-2028, while contract may be extended through 2029-2030.
Meaning these funds will go only toward research, not toward creating specific serial sample. Although unmanned A3 itself should first take to air in 2027. First serial samples appearance is expected at mid-2030s level.
However specifically unmanned fighter that should appear as result of these works is important supplement to new Gripens. At same time, given demonstrator, during unmanned aircraft development key will be ensuring low observability, for which vertical stabilizer was abandoned.
Also worth adding that specifically two-seat Gripen F version, which made first flight August 28, 2026, is considered as command vehicle for unmanned fighters, which although will have high autonomy level, will still need control center.
Additionally, new Swedish unmanned fighter is created as part of F-series — overall future development series including sixth-generation fighter.
Overall, Swedish government decision to finance own developments is excellent example of supporting own manufacturer. And this under conditions when foreign solutions are already available. For example, Boeing MQ-28A Ghost Bat is one of quite probable candidates for strengthening German air forces.
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