How Sweden's new secret drone technology got inspired by Ukraine war

Drones have historically been crucial for intelligence and reconnaissance, but the Ukraine conflict has accelerated advancements in drone technology, driving their widespread use in surveillance and targeted strikes as key elements of modern warfare. In response, European nations are striving to keep pace with these developments, with Sweden's defence minister recently revealing details on a previously top-secret partnership with Swedish defense manufacturer Saab.

Sweden, NATO's newest member, plans to test new software designed to coordinate up to 100 drones in "swarms," a concept inspired by evolving battlefield tactics stemming from the war in Ukraine. According to an article by Euractiv, their Armed Forces have fast-tracked a classified project in partnership with local defense manufacturer Saab to develop drone "swarms" capable of autonomous coordination and independent battlefield adaptation. 

Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson recently announced that the project will soon undergo testing. The country already meets the alliance's 2% GDP defense spending requirement and is on track to reach 2.4% by 2025. However, the budget for the top-secret drone swarm project has not been disclosed.

Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have extensively deployed drones in the ongoing conflict, utilizing them for reconnaissance, targeting, and payload delivery. The Turkish Bayraktar TB2, a now well-known drone that played a significant role in the Second Karabakh War in Azerbaijan against armed separatist forces of Armenian ethnicity occupying parts of the country, has showcased how affordable technology can transform battlefield dynamics. Early in the invasion, these drones were instrumental in striking Russian convoys.

Ukraine, in particular, has innovatively adapted commercial drones and developed novel tactics for intercepting enemy drones, attacking armored vehicles, and disrupting supply chains. With allied support, Ukraine has also built a robust domestic drone industry, inspiring Sweden to follow suit.

"We are learning from the war in Ukraine," said Army Chief Jonny Lindfors, emphasizing the importance of flexibility over mass production, as "investing in 100,000 drones that end up in storage" is no longer practical. Sweden is now focused on creating software that can operate any type of drone, enabling them to patrol, identify targets, and recharge autonomously, with the potential to carry payloads in the future.

Humanitarian groups like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have raised concerns about the ethical and legal implications of reducing human control in the use of force. According to the ICRC, autonomous systems pose risks to civilians, combatants, and overall conflict stability.

The software will undergo its first test during the Arctic Strike 25 military exercise in March 2025, where Sweden has invited industry partners to collaborate.

By Nazrin Sadigova