Saab deploys advanced autonomous swarm tech in major AUKUS defense trial

London, UK (SPX) Nov 08, 2024 - Saab's cutting-edge Autonomous Swarm technology was prominently showcased in the Project Convergence 2024 trials in the United States, a month-long demonstration that highlighted advancements in AI-driven defense capabilities. A team of 40 UK personnel from Saab-owned BlueBear and the UK's Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) displayed how autonomous swarming technology can be effectively integrated within Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) for coordinated operations.

The trials, organized by the AUKUS partnership, a security collaboration among Australia, the UK, and the US, spotlighted BlueBear's technology as a foundation for deploying networked, interoperable UAS swarms. The BlueBear AI-driven Centurion mission system enabled a single operator to control a diverse range of autonomous UAS units within a swarm.

Central to BlueBear's solution is a 'hot-swap' capability, allowing AI systems from any supplier to be integrated seamlessly within a larger autonomous systems network. This approach amplifies the potential of networked sensors and effectors, setting the stage for a new level of operational flexibility in multi-domain combat environments.

BlueBear's RedKite and Ghost UAS were deployed in concert with the Centurion system, allowing the AUKUS team to quickly reprogram and apply new AI algorithms across the unmanned systems, optimizing payload and mission performance.

"The AUKUS trials marks a significant increase in our ability to interoperate with allied nations, both at mission and core technology levels. Significant investment from both the UK Government and Saab's BlueBear have allowed us to collectively mature and de-risk high-value technologies that are imperative in modern warfare," says Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director, Saab UK.

This trial marked a milestone in autonomous and open-architecture development, an effort underwritten by Dstl funding for over two decades. Further details on the trials can be found at gov.uk.

Since Saab's acquisition of BlueBear in August 2023, the company has accelerated the integration of BlueBear's innovative technologies into its defense portfolio.