The Swedish Air Force, in collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration and Saab, has rapidly developed and evaluated a new counter-drone system, known as “Loke,” in just 84 days. The project, aimed at addressing the growing threat posed by UAS, marks a key step in Sweden’s efforts to enhance its air defense capabilities.
The rise of drone technology has introduced new challenges for military forces, with commercial and military drones operating at low altitudes, often evading traditional detection methods. Existing air defense systems, primarily designed to counter conventional aircraft and missiles, are not optimized for small, slow-moving drones. The Swedish military’s swift development of “Loke” suggests an urgent need for adaptive counter-UAS solutions that can respond to these evolving threats.
The system is described as modular and mobile, integrating multiple components across the detection, tracking and engagement phases. It includes the Giraffe 1X radar for detection and classification, a command-and-control system based on short-range air defense (SHORAD) principles, and the Trackfire remote weapon station, commonly used on naval vessels. The result is a flexible counter-drone solution designed for rapid deployment and real-world effectiveness.
“This wasn’t a typical product development cycle spanning several years,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance. “By cleverly repurposing existing products and integrating new features and technologies, we brought the concept together at record speed.”
The project was led by Sweden’s Air Warfare School, Command and Control Warfare School and Air Force Staff, with support from the Ground Warfare School. Personnel from Norrbotten Air Wing, F 21, were also involved, ensuring operator perspectives were incorporated early in the process. The Swedish Air Force plans to integrate “Loke” into its combat units by late 2025.
Major General Jonas Wikman, Chief of the Swedish Air Force, emphasized the importance of rapid innovation in military development:
“We need to constantly evolve and find fast and competent solutions to build a stronger Air Force,” he said.
With the proliferation of drone threats showing no signs of slowing, Sweden’s accelerated approach to counter-drone technology reflects a broader trend among military forces worldwide, particularly in Europe where efforts to advance defence capabilities are accelerating.
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