SAAB SIGNS MoU FOR EUROPEAN UCAV DEMONSTRATOR WITH DASSAULT

Dec 03. Saab is signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French Dassault Aviation, with the aim of defining a program for developing a UCAV demonstrator (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle).

“This is an extremely important step for the development of Swedish UAV-technology. With the Gripen we have shown that we are a world leader at integrating complete aircraft systems. This in combination with cutting-edge know-how of aerospace technology makes Saab a supplier of UAV-systems for the future”, says Lennart Sindahl, Senior Vice President andGeneral Manager at Saab Aerosystems.

The project will be conducted in an international cooperation between
several nations, the two leading aviation corporations in Europe – Dassault Aviation and Saab – being the main participants. Dassault will manage the project as commissioned by the French defence materiel agency, DGA, with Saab as principal partner.

The aim is to further develop the high level of expertise within Saab in the field of aerial vehicles, to the benefit of the Gripen and unmanned aerial vehicles. The purpose of the demonstrator will be to develop cutting-edge technology for the advanced UAVs of the future, including:
• Advanced aeronautics
• Unmanned flight technology
• Stealth technology
• Adaptation to network based defence

The signing of the MoU has been made possible as the Swedish Defence
Materiel Administration (FMV) has signed a Letter of Intent with the
French DGA to take part in the project, with the intention of co-
financing the UCAV project. France has already appropriated MEUR 300.