Military drones for early warning: Saab and General Atomics develop unmanned AWACS based on MQ-9B

Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems intend to jointly develop an unmanned aerial surveillance solution (UAEW) based on military drones. Saab announced the strategic cooperation; the basis is General Atomics’ MQ-9B unmanned aircraft system.

According to an official press release, the UAEW is to monitor specific areas continuously and thus “enable persistent situational awareness”.

Military drones complement manned early warning systems

With the unmanned medium-range airborne early warning (AEW) solution, Saab is expanding its existing portfolio of manned AEW&C systems, which includes Global Eye. Customers are to gain more options for meeting their mission requirements – for example AEW capabilities from warships. According to the press release, the solution can be “used independently or in combination with manned and unmanned platforms”, making “optimal use of their respective strengths”.

General Atomics’ MQ-9B Reaper is a medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The prototype made its first flight on 20 March 2020. With a length of 11.7 metres, it has a wingspan of 24 metres; the drone is powered by a turboprop engine with around 671 kW (900 hp) shaft power. Its maximum take-off weight is 5,670 kilograms, and it holds 2,721 kilograms of fuel. Above 12,200 metres, it flies at around 270 km/h for up to 40 hours, communicating via satellite, among other means. Nine external hardpoints carry guided air-to-ground weapons and equipment of up to 2,155 kilograms; its sensors include electro-optics, infrared and radar.

According to the national defence report, the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) also intend to procure a squadron of long-range, long-endurance drones with which the air force is to reconnoitre large areas (UAV MALE). Initial operational capability is targeted for 2032.