Saab has revealed a full-scale concept model of its A3-001 uncrewed combat aircraft, providing an indication of how the company believes autonomous platforms could operate alongside crewed combat aircraft in future air operations.
The concept was displayed at the Swedish Armed Forces Jubilee Air Show at Malmen Air Base in Linköping on 22 August 2026. Saab said A3-001 is intended to explore the potential evolution of combat air systems in which crewed and uncrewed aircraft operate as part of an integrated network.
Uncrewed Aircraft Targets High-Risk Missions
Potential roles identified for the platform include electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defences and precision strike missions in contested environments.
Saab has incorporated low-observable characteristics and a high degree of autonomy into the concept, while envisaging the aircraft operating across a broader multi-domain combat system.
The development is linked to work being undertaken by Saab and Sweden to investigate technologies required for the next generation of combat aircraft.
Saab intends to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030 as part of this technology development programme.
A3 Could Complement Future Gripen Operations
Saab said A3-001 is a separate company concept illustrating what could follow in the mid-2030s if Sweden decides to continue developing the technology.
Rather than positioning the aircraft as a direct replacement for Gripen, Saab is examining how uncrewed systems could complement Gripen and future crewed combat aircraft.
The approach reflects growing international interest in collaborative combat aircraft, autonomous platforms and distributed air power, with manufacturers increasingly developing systems capable of extending the reach and survivability of crewed fighters.
For Sweden, the programme also provides an opportunity to evaluate future combat air requirements while retaining domestic expertise in advanced aerospace systems.
