Saab Unveils Tailless A3 Drone to Fly as 'Fighting Comrade' for Gripen
Saab Enters Collaborative Combat Aircraft Race with High-End Concept
Saab has revealed its A3 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) concept, an autonomous, tailless, supersonic drone with a double-delta wing that could be developed in the early 2030s. Designed as a high-end complement to the Gripen E fighter, the A3 would perform high-risk missions like forward sensing and deep strikes, with acquisition costs about half that of a Gripen. Saab argues European CCAs need certification for routine airspace use, contrasting with cheaper attritable designs. The concept is a steppingstone toward Sweden's future crewed fighter, with demonstrators A1 and A2 flying by 2030.
"From A3, there will be an A4 and an A5, leading us up to the core fighter, . . . a step toward something awesome."
- jackconsidine
TIL Saab was an aerospace company.
My Dad had a '98 Saab. It had an "S" button on the shifter. It stood for "speed". When we were 7/8 years old we'd beg him to press it and it would speed up 10mph. I got my license in 2011, immediately took that car onto the highway and pressed the S button.
Nothing happened. I went home and read the manual. S stand for sport. It keeps the engine in a higher gear than normal for quicker response
- ecshafer
The goal of concept to aircraft in 36 months is admirable. Anduril recently built a jet in a similar timeframe. In the US at least, the last 30 years after defense industry consolidation has caused great stagnation. The F-35 took over a decade and went monstrously over budget, more as a jobs program than as a functional product. Competition showing they can build a jet faster and cheaper is what we need to kick the DoD into gear with the large contractors.
- gnatman
how about a 2-door 900 turbo revival?
- taolson
I still consider the Saab Draken one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_35_Draken
Especially the top view:
https://www.flyajetfighter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Sa...
- philipov
I'm betting that High-End Concept will win the race over Saab.
- heyitsmedotjayb
those kids don't stand a chance against such an epic aircraft
- lenerdenator
If we're going to expend time and effort on finding new and exciting ways to destroy other members of our species, it might be worth noting that the major change in battles over the last decade seems to have been flooding the zone with cheap, micro-to-small drones, not something like this.
That being said, perhaps we find something more productive to do with our time as humans?
- blini-kot
should've made nice cars instead T_T