Overview
- Saab showed the full‑scale A3‑001 mock‑up at the Swedish Armed Forces Jubilee Air Show on Monday to publicize its new uncrewed combat concept.
- The company announced a stepped demonstrator roadmap of A1, A2 and A3 with an accelerated schedule that aims to fly the A1 demonstrator within about 15–18 months and to field weapon‑carrying demonstrators before 2030.
- Saab describes the A3‑001 as a Gripen‑sized, supersonic design that would use a General Electric F414 engine, include low‑observability features and carry weapons in an internal bay, but those technical and performance claims remain company statements.
- State funding for an A3 production‑representative prototype has not been approved, though Defence Minister Pål Jonson expressed support, and formal procurement decisions are expected through Swedish budget and parliamentary processes between 2028 and 2030.
- Sweden’s NATO membership and Saab’s growing export backlog, including a recent two‑plane GlobalEye order for delivery by 2030, strengthen Saab’s industrial position and could shape whether demonstrator work leads to an exportable uncrewed combat product.