General Atomics and Saab test unmanned airborne surveillance capabilities

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Saab have successfully demonstrated new unmanned surveillance and electronic reconnaissance capabilities.

In one flight test, GA-ASI integrated an SNC electronic support measures (ESM) system onto an MQ-1C Gray Eagle Extended Range (ER) drone. This system is designed to detect and evaluate electromagnetic emissions to identify enemy integrated air defense systems from a distance, allowing the aircraft to remain outside the reach of enemy weapons.

In a separate demonstration, Saab and GA-ASI successfully tested Saab’s LoyalEye radar on an MQ-9B uncrewed platform. Conducted in Southern California, the test showed the system could detect, track, and classify multiple airborne and maritime targets at extended ranges.

Both developments aim to increase situational awareness and surveillance coverage while reducing risk to human crews by utilizing long-endurance uncrewed platforms to work alongside manned aircraft.