NATO develops new anti-UAV weapon, surprisingly simple design

Sweden's new Loke anti-drone system has moved from rapid development in 84 days to its first deployment to NATO, where it protects key facilities in Poland.

The Loke concept was developed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the Swedish Air Force and Saab. It has become a core part of Sweden's base defence capabilities.

Born out of a collaboration between the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), the Swedish Air Force and Swedish defence giant Saab, the system is deployed at Malbork Air Base to protect a logistics hub supporting aid to Ukraine.

The mission took place from April to September, with Loke operating with Swedish Air Force units from 17 and 21 Squadrons. Military units from 21 and later 17 Squadron assisted in protecting allied facilities, including a key logistics center for military aid to Ukraine.

Saab's Loke anti-drone system integrates the Giraffe 1X radar, electronic warfare and a modular command and control system for rapid, scalable defense against evolving threats.

The Trackfire remote-controlled weapon station is equipped with heavy and medium machine guns, as well as electronic warfare components. The system can track both physical and signal targets in the electromagnetic spectrum, providing early detection capabilities and a variety of neutralization options.

"Effective air operations require strong ground protection. The systems we have deployed have significantly enhanced base security, both for ourselves and our allies," said Lieutenant Colonel Christian Bertilsson , commander of Swedish forces in Poland.

"This is a clear example of how we are building the necessary capabilities and how we are ready to change our normal procedures to respond quickly to today's threats," said Major General Jonas Wikman, Chief of the General Staff of the Swedish Air Force.

Saab, FMV and the Air Force have refined existing technology into a counter-drone system. The result is a combination of the company's Giraffe 1X mission radar, Trackfire remote weapons station, electronic warfare tools and a short-range air defense command and control system.

The design is modular and scalable, allowing for the connection of new sensors and weapons as threats evolve. "To counter emerging threats, an optimized sensor-to-shooter chain is critical."

We achieved what many considered impossible in record time, including the training and coaching needed to support the mission,” said Angelica Persson, Saab Counter-UAS Business Development Analyst.

Although only unveiled this year, the Loke system has already undergone platoon-level training with the Swedish Air Force's 21st Squadron. Feedback from the integration process will inform design refinements and lay the groundwork for future iterations.