Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • Saab’s Autonomous Swarm tech used in AUKUS trial

Defence

Saab’s Autonomous Swarm tech used in AUKUS trial

A large UK team, comprising 40 employees from Saab-owned BlueBear and UK MoD Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) personnel, demonstrated the ability to deploy interoperable AI within Autonomous Swarms of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in AUKUS' recent Project Convergence 2024 trials.

Image courtesy BlueBear / Saab

Saab’s Autonomous Swarm technology recently featured in the ground-breaking Project Convergence 2024 trials, consisting of one month in the United States.

AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, held trials that demonstrated the pivotal role of BlueBear’s technology in collaborative, networked, swarms of UAS. BlueBear’s AI enabled Centurion mission system provided the ability for a single operator to command a diverse swarm of autonomous UAS.
 
At the core of BlueBear’s AI-enabled autonomy solution is the ability to ‘hot-swap’ AI from any supplier in an autonomous systems-of-systems. This technology is key to unlocking the game-changing potential of deployed networked sensors and effectors in an integrated multidomain battlefield.

Advertisement
ODU RT

BlueBear’s RedKite and Ghost UAS, were used in tandem with Centurion, by the tri-nation AUKUS team to rapidly retrain and deploy AI algorithms, that enabled the payloads and UAS.

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK said: “The AUKUS trials marks a significant increase in our ability to interoperate with allied nations, both at mission and core technology levels. Significant investment from both the UK Government and Saab’s BlueBear have allowed us to collectively mature and de-risk high-value technologies that are imperative in modern warfare.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

The AUKUS trial was the culmination of Autonomy and Open Architecture work consistently funded by Dstl over two decades.

Saab acquired BlueBear in August 2023, as its rapid capability accelerator innovating new technologies and integrating them across Saab’s portfolio.

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

Defence

RAF Typhoons deploying APKWS in Middle East

18 May 2026

A new Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is being be fitted to RAF Typhoons on operations in the Middle East, providing a low-cost anti-drone weapon to precisely destroy targets for a fraction of the price of missiles currently used.

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

Defence Space

BAE Systems delivers US Space Force missile warning sensor system

18 May 2026

BAE Systems has delivered the sensor subassembly and sensor system controller components for the Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar (NGP) programme, providing advanced missile warning, technical intelligence and battlespace characterisation mission capabilities, for the US Space Force.

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

Defence

QinetiQ supports Typhoon counter drone missile integration

17 May 2026

QinetiQ has supported the RAF in rapidly integrating and testing laser guided, low-cost missiles to RAF Typhoons, which are now being used in the Middle East to defend against drone attacks.

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

Defence

Dstl backed robotics advance transforms military manufacturing

15 May 2026

Rivelin Robotics, supported by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) expertise, has created microfactory technology that automates the slow, risky manual finishing of 3D printed parts.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

Defence

Defence firms incentivised to deliver on time

15 May 2026

The UK Government is cracking down on waste and delays as defence companies are to be incentivised to deliver equipment on time and on budget with new reforms to Single Source Contract Regulations.

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

Defence

MoD selects TEKEVER to support Project NYX

15 May 2026

TEKEVER has been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to support Project NYX, the British Army’s programme to develop next-generation autonomous systems capable of operating alongside Apache attack helicopters.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner