The collaborative programme will explore potential new low-cost capabilities for the Swedish Armed Forces and Air Force and will test alternative production techniques alongside more efficient approaches to system work and procurement. FMV has stated that the demonstrator order is worth around 150 million kronor and will result in a medium-sized uncrewed aircraft used to validate new design and manufacturing methods.
Stefan Oscarsson, Senior Vice President Governmental Solutions at GKN Aerospace, said: “This programme is a great example of how we can work closely with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to rapidly explore new capabilities that are both innovative and cost-effective. It reflects our shared commitment to strengthening Sweden’s defence readiness and technological edge and builds on decades of trusted collaboration.”
Martin Anderberg, Head of Fighter Aircraft Systems at FMV, said: “This is knowledge-enhancing activity and by producing a larger uncrewed aircraft we are testing new innovative ways of working and techniques. The idea is that this should be scalable, so if you can produce one you should be able to produce many,” and added: “The idea is to go from idea to production in 18 months and that is a short time for this type of larger advanced and complex aircraft.”
He further stated: “Unlike much of what we do, the focus of this programme is not on the final product and what capabilities it has or does not have, but the route to get there. We and industry have the opportunity to learn a great deal during the work.” The demonstrator will include a turbojet engine, fuselage and mission-specific subsystems and will be validated through flight trials as part of Sweden’s efforts to reinforce long-term supply security and defence capability.
