The Swedish Air Force, in collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Saab, has successfully developed and tested the “Loke” counter-drone system in just 84 days. This rapid development represents a significant milestone in Sweden’s efforts to address the rising threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Drones, which have transformed modern warfare, present new challenges for traditional air defense systems. These systems, designed to target larger aircraft and missiles, often struggle against small, low-flying, autonomous drones. To counter this, Sweden initiated an accelerated program to create a cost-effective, modular counter-UAS solution. Originally planned as an industry demonstration, the “Loke” project quickly evolved into a full-scale operational system for the Swedish Air Force.
The Loke system integrates the Giraffe 1X radar, a compact and battle-tested system capable of detecting and classifying drone threats in real-time. It also features a lightweight command-and-control system based on Short-Range Air Defence (SHORAD) principles for rapid decision-making. For neutralization, the system employs the Trackfire remote weapon station, commonly used on naval platforms like the Combat Boat 90.
“This wasn’t a typical product development cycle,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Surveillance division. “By repurposing existing technologies and integrating new features, we delivered a solution at record speed.”
The project was led by Sweden’s Air Warfare School, Command and Control Warfare School, and Air Force Staff, with support from the Ground Warfare School. Personnel from the Norrbotten Air Wing (F 21) played a key role in ensuring the system met operational needs.
Major General Jonas Wikman, Chief of the Swedish Air Force, emphasized the importance of agility in military development, stating, “We need to constantly evolve and find fast and competent solutions to strengthen our Air Force.”
The Loke system is designed for scalability and adaptability, allowing it to integrate additional sensors and effectors as new threats emerge. Its mobility also ensures protection while in transit, providing continuous coverage.
Sweden plans to fully integrate Loke into its combat units by late 2025, highlighting the country’s swift response to the growing threat of drones and reflecting a broader trend in European military innovation.
