Saab, the Swedish defence and security leader, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to develop an innovative Unmanned Airborne Early Warning (UAEW) solution. This strategic cooperation integrates Saab’s renowned airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) technologies with GA-ASI’s proven unmanned aerial system, the MQ-9B.
Airborne early warning systems are critical force multipliers, providing extensive situational awareness and real-time surveillance. Traditionally, such systems have been carried by manned aircraft like Saab’s GlobalEye, which combines advanced radar with multi-domain command and control. However, the advent of unmanned systems introduces significant advantages in persistence, operational cost, and risk reduction for personnel.
The new UAEW solution harnesses the endurance and versatility of the MQ-9B, a medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle renowned for its surveillance and reconnaissance roles. Saab’s sophisticated AEW sensors will be integrated into the MQ-9B platform, enabling continuous monitoring over vast areas. This combination allows for stand-alone unmanned operations or collaborative missions in manned-unmanned teaming configurations, extending the reach and responsiveness of existing fleets.
Carl-Johan Bergholm, Head of Saab’s Business Area Surveillance, emphasized the synergy between the companies: “We are bringing our exceptional ability to detect and track challenging objects to customers looking to use MQ-9B to meet their specific needs. This solution leverages the core competencies of both companies and has excellent potential to complement our existing AEW&C portfolio.”
Saab’s experience in the AEW&C field is extensive. Its systems are deployed with NATO and multiple trusted partners worldwide, providing early warning, surveillance, and command capabilities across air and maritime domains. By transitioning this expertise into an unmanned format, Saab aims to offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative for nations seeking robust surveillance without the constraints of crewed operations.
Moreover, the UAEW system supports deployment flexibility. For instance, it can be launched from airfields or potentially integrated with naval platforms, providing valuable overwatch for maritime task groups or coastal defense operations. This modular approach ensures the system can adapt to diverse mission requirements and threat environments.
This development also aligns with broader defense trends favoring unmanned technologies and network-centric warfare. By pairing advanced sensors with autonomous endurance, the UAEW concept enhances persistent surveillance while freeing crewed aircraft for more complex or contested missions.
Saab’s strategic vision, rooted in decades of technological advancement, reflects its commitment to creating innovative, sustainable security solutions that address evolving threats. This UAEW system is a significant step in expanding unmanned capabilities within integrated air defense and situational awareness frameworks worldwide.
Global Competitors in Unmanned AEW Solutions
Saab and General Atomics are not alone in pursuing unmanned airborne early warning capabilities. Several major defense firms and nations are developing similar solutions to boost persistent surveillance and reduce crew risk.
For example, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has pioneered advanced UAV-based intelligence and early warning systems, integrating radar payloads onto its Heron family of drones. These platforms are used by various countries for maritime patrol and border surveillance, demonstrating the feasibility of high-end sensors on MALE UAVs.
China, too, has unveiled unmanned AEW drones, such as the Divine Eagle, designed for high-altitude, long-endurance surveillance with large radar arrays. This capability provides the People’s Liberation Army with wide-area monitoring without relying solely on manned AEW&C aircraft like the KJ-2000.
The United States continues to experiment with pairing high-end sensors on next-generation drones under initiatives like the MQ-25 Stingray and future loyal wingman programs. These projects explore how unmanned platforms can augment traditional E-2 Hawkeye and E-3 Sentry operations in contested environments.
Together, these global efforts indicate a clear trend: nations are increasingly leveraging unmanned systems to provide persistent, flexible, and survivable early warning capabilities in modern multi-domain operations.
