Saab and Sweden Unveil ‘Loke’ Counter-Drone System, Developed in Just 3 Months

Swedish defense giant Saab, in collaboration with the Swedish Air Force and other key partners, has unveiled a groundbreaking counter-drone system named “Loke”—developed and tested in a record 84 days.

Designed to tackle the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), Loke is a modular and scalable solution that covers the entire kill chain—from detection to elimination. It utilizes Saab’s Giraffe 1X multi-mission radar for drone detection, the Trackfire remote weapon station for interception, and a lightweight command and control system adapted from Sweden’s short-range air defense concept.

According to Saab, the rapid development of Loke was achieved by integrating existing technologies with new innovations, allowing for swift deployment against emerging aerial threats. The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has demonstrated the increasing impact of drones on the battlefield, making counter-drone capabilities more crucial than ever.

Major General Jonas Wikman, Chief of the Swedish Air Force, emphasized that Loke represents Sweden’s commitment to adapting quickly to modern threats. “This is a clear example of how we are building the required capabilities and are prepared to deviate from traditional processes to respond rapidly,” he stated.

The project was led by various Swedish military institutions, including the Air Warfare School, Command and Control Warfare School, and the Norrbotten Air Wing (F21), with support from the Ground Warfare School. Loke is expected to be fully integrated into Swedish Air Force combat units by late 2025.