A leading British aerospace company has embarked on an ambitious project to create a clean-sheet uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) for the Swedish Armed Forces within just 18 months. The initiative reflects Sweden’s push to rapidly expand its drone capabilities amid evolving security demands across Northern Europe.
GKN Aerospace confirmed a new partnership with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to design and engineer a next-generation UAV tailored for multi-mission roles. The clean-sheet approach allows the company to build the aircraft from the ground up without relying on existing airframes, ensuring maximum performance, adaptability, and technological freedom.
The upcoming system is being built around a flexible, modular architecture, enabling it to perform a wide range of military missions — from intelligence and surveillance to tactical support and potentially strike operations. GKN Aerospace said the platform’s adaptable structure will help operators make faster decisions in dynamic environments while ensuring compatibility with evolving operational needs.
Designed with long-term modernization in mind, the UAV will support future hardware and software upgrades, allowing the Swedish military to integrate new sensors, autonomy tools, and mission systems as they emerge. The collaboration positions Sweden to field a highly customizable drone tailored to future battlefield requirements.
