Saab and General Atomics Collaborate on Unmanned Airborne Early Warning System Using MQ-9B

Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have partnered to create a cutting-edge Unmanned Airborne Early Warning (UAEW) system. This collaboration merges Saab’s acclaimed AEW&C sensor technology with the MQ-9B unmanned aerial platform, aiming to provide a cost-effective and sustained surveillance capability for both land and maritime environments.

The UAEW system is engineered to identify and monitor a variety of threats including fighter jets, cruise missiles, and drone swarms. By integrating Saab’s sophisticated radar technology into GA-ASI’s MQ-9B—a long-endurance drone already procured by several nations—the partnership intends to make advanced early warning capabilities more financially accessible for global military forces.

Saab has indicated that the UAEW system will offer significant operational versatility, capable of functioning autonomously or as part of a manned-unmanned team. It can be launched from naval vessels or terrestrial platforms, thereby extending AEW coverage to areas where traditional systems may be hindered by cost or infrastructure challenges.

David R. Alexander, president of GA-ASI, described the initiative as "a transformation in operations," highlighting its potential to fortify defenses against both sophisticated missile threats and cost-effective drone attacks. Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance division, noted that the new system enhances the company’s existing AEW&C portfolio and opens up new mission possibilities.

The first flight of the MQ-9B equipped with the AEW system is slated for 2026. Once operational, it is expected to serve military customers in countries such as the U.K., Canada, Japan, India, and the U.S., where the MQ-9B is already being acquired or deployed.

The collaboration between Saab and GA-ASI is being closely monitored by defense experts, who view it as a pivotal development in transforming early warning systems into more adaptable, unmanned solutions tailored for future combat scenarios.