Unmanned systems: Sweden prepares for drone warfare with “Demo UCAV”

Building capabilities for combat in which unmanned systems are used: in Sweden, the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the armed forces and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI) are working on this together. The high-tech demonstration project “Demo UCAV” (unmanned combat aerial vehicle) is intended to generate know-how for future drone wars, test new technologies and pave the way for the next generation of systems and new capabilities for the armed forces.

For the procurement agency, the joint government initiative “Demo UCAV” is an important step “towards securing Sweden's operational capabilities for the future”. Besides FMV, FOI and the armed forces, universities, international partners and industry are also on board.

The partners aim to jointly research and verify the key technologies and capabilities that unmanned systems require. This is to accelerate capability development and ensure interoperability – both within the unmanned domain and between the individual disciplines: unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), counter-UAS (C-UAS) and patrol robots. Organisation, methods and technology are also covered. In terms of content, the project addresses autonomous systems, sensor integration, signature adaptation, communication solutions and interaction with crewed platforms.

FMV project manager Johan Pakarinen made it clear: “‘Demo UCAV’ is not about developing an operational system, but about building knowledge and testing future technologies at an early stage, which creates better conditions and saves time when it comes to procuring and introducing systems in the units of the armed forces.” He added: “We want to ensure that we stay ahead technically and operationally in an increasingly complex security policy situation.”

Reportedly, the project is clearly linked to national defence requirements as well as to international developments of recent years. At its core is a test platform on which different technical solutions can be rapidly tested and evaluated, from AI-based control systems to next-generation sensors.

“‘Demo UCAV’ is not about developing an operational system, but about building knowledge and testing future technologies at an early stage.”
Johan Pakarinen, project manager at FMV

Pakarinen added: “Much of the technology development is taking place in Ukraine, which strongly influences our work. We are in constant dialogue with our Ukrainian partners and have a good understanding of how the systems are used and developed on the battlefield. We can learn a lot from that.”

Unmanned systems: hundreds of participants since 2023

Work on the project began in 2023, and it has grown considerably since then. Hundreds of staff from FMV, FOI and the armed forces – the three agencies involved – now contribute to “Demo UCAV”. According to the procurement agency, the task is “to coordinate, advance and ensure the development of technical capabilities in line with the needs of the Swedish Armed Forces”. The project is also intended to drive the Swedish defence industry as an engine of innovation.

In conclusion, Pakarinen said: “It is an exciting and challenging project in which our cooperation is at the centre and we set a joint focus. With ‘Demo UCAV’ we are also strengthening Sweden's ability to take part in future multinational cooperation on development in the unmanned domain.”

At the end of March, parts of the project were demonstrated during the “Arctic Strike 25” exercise in Älvdalen. Testing is currently under way at several locations across the country.