Saab showcases next-generation counter-drone capabilities in Gotland demonstration

The showcased solution, likened to the Swedish system ‘Loke’, is modular, adaptable and developed to tackle the increasing threat from drones. Designed for mobility and rapid deployment, the system was demonstrated largely by conscripts, underlining its ease of use and operational flexibility.

With drones becoming faster, more affordable and tactically effective, the need for effective countermeasures has intensified. Recent incidents, such as Ukraine’s UAV strikes on Russian air bases, have demonstrated how disruptive these small, low-flying systems can be to conventional defences.

Traditional air defence systems often struggle to detect and neutralise small, agile drones, especially when operating in swarms or at low altitude. Saab’s solution addresses this challenge with a mobile and modular approach, suitable for both frontline and domestic defence scenarios.

The Gotland demonstration—referred to as ‘Gute’ by the Swedish Armed Forces—presented a complete C-UAS kill chain. The system combined the Giraffe 1X radar for detection and classification, a SHORAD command and control platform for decision-making, and kinetic response through the Trackfire ARES and BAE Tridon MK2 weapon stations.

This integrated configuration leverages military off-the-shelf (MOTS) components, ensuring high reliability and fast deployment. According to Saab, these elements have already been tested in operational environments, reinforcing their readiness for real-world defence applications.

During the live scenarios, the Giraffe 1X radar identified and classified hostile aerial objects using its ‘Drone Tracker’ function. The information was transmitted to the SHORAD system, which coordinated a successful neutralisation through the system’s effectors.

In line with customer requirements, the systems were mounted on mobile platforms, enabling swift movement to changing threat zones. Saab highlighted the flexibility of the solution, noting that additional effectors can be integrated to match specific mission needs.

The radar and remote weapon station were installed on the new 4×4 Sisu GPT vehicle, while the Tridon MK2 system was mounted on a Scania flatbed truck. This setup underscores the C-UAS’s adaptability to a wide range of deployment conditions.

“The successful demonstration validated the C-UAS’s readiness to integrate multiple platforms into this system-of-systems solution,” Saab stated. Attending stakeholders were able to observe the system’s full operational cycle, gaining direct insight into the capability’s effectiveness and future utility.

Source: Saab.