STOCKHOLM – October 29, 2026 -- Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have flight tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab's LoyalEye AEW radar with the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system, five months after the system's first flight in May 2026.
Flight test validates detection, tracking and classification of airborne targets
The test took place at GA-ASI's Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in Southern California. It validated the integrated system's ability to detect, track and classify airborne targets from an unmanned platform. Stakeholders attended and watched the capability in real time within a representative operational scenario.
The flight is part of an evaluation programme that began with the first flight in May 2026.
LoyalEye is designed to complement manned AEW&C aircraft
Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab's business area Surveillance, described the test as an important milestone for unmanned AEW. He said LoyalEye is designed to complement existing AEW&C solutions by adding flexibility and persistence.
LoyalEye on MQ-9B can operate independently or alongside manned AEW&C platforms. An unmanned AEW capability is intended to surveil large areas with persistent coverage in environments where endurance, geographic reach and reduced aircrew exposure are critical.
GA-ASI reports high worldwide customer interest in MQ-9B AEW
GA-ASI President David R. Alexander called it one of the most highly anticipated flight tests the company has performed. He said customer interest in AEW capability on the MQ-9B is "extremely high" worldwide.