Aviation News – Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have successfully completed the first flight of the world’s first unmanned Airborne Early Warning (AEW) system, marking a major milestone in next-generation airborne surveillance. The achievement combines Saab’s LoyalEye radar sensor with the MQ-9B unmanned aircraft platform, potentially reshaping how nations conduct persistent aerial monitoring and early threat detection.
The breakthrough follows a strategic partnership announced in 2025, when Saab and GA-ASI agreed to jointly develop a new uncrewed AEW capability. The collaboration combines Saab’s long-standing expertise in airborne radar and surveillance systems with GA-ASI’s proven MQ-9B unmanned platform, widely used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The goal is to deliver a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional crewed AEW aircraft.
The new system works by integrating Saab’s LoyalEye advanced radar onto the MQ-9B, enabling the drone to detect, track, and relay airborne and surface threats in real time. This provides commanders with improved situational awareness while reducing operational risk to aircrews. Its long endurance also allows for extended surveillance missions, strengthening military decision-making in contested environments.
Saab and GA-ASI Complete First Flight of Unmanned Airborne Early Warning Aircraft
