Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have successfully flight tested an unmanned airborne early warning (AEW) capability, integrating Saab's LoyalEye airborne early warning radar with the MQ-9B remotely piloted aircraft system.
Conducted during a flight at GA-ASI's Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in Southern California, the activity validated the performance of the integrated system, including its ability to detect, track, and classify airborne targets from an unmanned platform. Stakeholders attended the flight test and observed the capability in real time within a representative operational scenario, highlighting the progress made in the system's development.
The flight test is part of an evaluation programme that began with the system's first flight in May 2026, underscoring the rapid progress of the capability.
"This flight test marks an important milestone in the development of unmanned airborne early warning capabilities. LoyalEye is designed to complement existing AEW&C solutions by providing additional flexibility and persistence, and today's flight validates the capability in a representative operational scenario", says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
“This has been one of the most highly anticipated flight tests we have performed,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander. “The level of customer interest in AEW capability on MQ-9B throughout the world is extremely high. It just makes sense.”
LoyalEye on MQ-9B can operate independently or alongside manned AEW&C platforms. An unmanned AEW capability will be able to surveil large areas with persistent surveillance in operating environments where endurance, geographic reach, and reduced aircrew exposure are critical.
