Sweden is making significant steps to develop military drone swarm technology for the battlefield. One single soldier can control 100 attack drones.
This pioneering project, a collaboration between the Swedish Armed Forces and defense giant SAAB, aims to revolutionize battlefield operations by enabling a single soldier to control up to 100 drones for attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, and communication tasks.
The technology, fast-tracked over the past year, allows swarms of drones of varying sizes to operate autonomously. They perform critical missions such as search missions, identifying targets to attack, patrolling, and relaying real-time footage to ground operators.
Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson announced that the system was showcased during the Arctic Strike exercise, a NATO-led operation. “We need to take some risks to build a stronger defense capability faster than usual,” Jonson said, emphasizing the urgency driven by regional security threats.
Sweden’s push into drone swarms draws heavily on lessons from Ukraine, where drones have transformed modern warfare by providing cost-effective intelligence and strike capabilities.
A Russian drone that costs as little as $500 can knock out a $10 million American Abrams tank, according to The New York Times.
“The unique thing is not the drone itself, but that we can update it and stay relevant,” said Army Chief Jonny Lindfors, highlighting a shift from mass drone stockpiles to flexible, software-driven solutions.
This innovation comes as Sweden, NATO’s newest member since March 2024, ramps up its defense spending from 2.2% of GDP in 2024 to a projected 2.6% by 2028. The technology has already piqued the interest of other NATO countries, with SAAB reporting inquiries following a demonstration of 10 quadcopters relaying video over snowy forests.
Thanks to built-in redundancy and front-line data transmission, the system’s ability to function in contested electronic warfare environments adds to its appeal.
Beyond domestic defense, Sweden is leveraging its drone expertise to bolster Ukraine.
In July 2024, Jonson signed an agreement to join an 11-nation drone coalition, committing Sweden to joint procurement and training to supply Ukraine with unmanned aerial vehicles. “Drones are vital for Ukraine to counter Russia’s attacks and gather battlefield intelligence,” Jonson noted, reinforcing Sweden’s role in the coalition alongside nations like the UK, Latvia, and Germany.
This support aligns with Sweden’s broader military aid strategy, which includes a historic SEK 13.5 billion package announced in January 2025, partly aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s drone and missile production.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that such systems could increase risks to civilians and escalate conflicts.
Sources
- Independent: Sweden to test its new military technology allowing drones to ‘swarm’
- Defense News: Sweden unveils drone swarm to be paired with ground troops
- Euractiv: Sweden’s race to develop drone ‘swarm’ tech
- Regeringen.se (Swedish Gov): Sweden to join a drone cooperation for Ukraine