Saab unveils A3-001 stealthy unmanned combat aircraft concept

A3-001 unmanned combat aircraft collaborative combat aircraft stealth technology autonomous fighter drone

Saab has unveiled the A3-001, a full-scale mock-up of a stealthy, supersonic unmanned combat aircraft concept. Presented at Malmen Air Base in Linköping during the Swedish Air Force’s centenary celebrations, the concept is part of Saab’s Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program.

Designed to operate alongside crewed fighters like the Gripen E, the A3-001 utilizes a “system-of-systems” approach. It is intended for high-risk missions, including electronic warfare, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), and precision strikes in contested environments. The aircraft features a tailless delta-wing design and an internal weapons bay to maintain low observability.

Development is currently supported by two technology demonstrators, A1 and A2, funded by Sweden’s FMV defense materiel administration. The A1 demonstrator, which is expected to fly within the next 15 months, will utilize a GE Aerospace F414 engine. Saab aims to fly uncrewed demonstrators with fighter-like characteristics before 2030, with the full A3 system potentially entering operational service by the mid-2030s.