In view of the next NATO military exercises expected in the Arctic, Sweden is preparing to present its innovative technology based on the use of swarms of drones designed to improve reconnaissance and combat capabilities. The development was conducted in collaboration with Saab’s Defense division which intends to use artificial intelligence functions and, unlike traditional drones, makes them operate as interconnected units imitating the natural behaviors observed in swarms of insects and birds. The initiative immediately saw the involvement of the Swedish army, the Swedish Defense Material Administration and the Swedish Defense Research Agency. What is perceived and seen by the swarm is transmitted to command centers and allows the armed forces to adapt more efficiently to the ever-changing battlefield conditions. Drone swarms are made up of units of different sizes that operate cohesively with each other and are capable of completing complex tasks independently; they can handle reconnaissance missions, locate targets and assist in combat operations. Each swarm is controlled by a single operator who can also assign different tasks using different sensors installed on unmanned aircraft of varying sizes depending on the most appropriate payload.
According to the Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonsonsuch technological innovation could provide unparalleled efficiency in military strategies, reducing dependence on human intervention and improving response times. Sweden’s experiments with drone swarms place it alongside military powers such as the United States, China and Russia, all of which are investing heavily in similar systems. According to US Department of Defense analyst Marcel Plichta, drone swarms are a crucial evolution in modern warfare as their applications range from mine-laying to intelligence gathering. Performance in terms of autonomy certainly needs to be improved, since generally with the sensor payload applied, drones do not exceed 30 minutes of discharge. But it is a question of batteries, therefore destined to evolve rapidly over time. In this way, Sweden aims to accelerate its technological advantage by showing its determination to remain competitive among the Western Forces of the Northern European front. The Nordic region, due to its proximity to Russia, has in fact become a strategic point at the center of growing geopolitical tensions, a situation that requires readiness to be exercised and maintained during joint military exercises such as the biennial Arctic Strike conducted in collaboration with the neighboring Norway and evolved into the broader Nordic Response following Sweden’s accession to NATO. More than 20,000 soldiers from 13 countries participated in 2024, and activities included live-fire experiments such as rapid deployment and redeployment operational exercises. The next exercise will be March 3-14, which is less than six weeks away.
After joining NATO, The country is steadily increasing its defense budget, with plans to allocate 2.6% of its GDP to military spending by 2028, up from 2.2% last year. From a geographical point of view it must be remembered that the length of the NATO border with Russia is along those of Finland and
Sweden is 1,340 km, which is enormous both to patrol and control and to defend in case of trespassing or aggressive actions. Very important for defining the requirements of the swarm is the experience of the Russian-Ukrainian war, in which the Ukrainian technological defense hub “Brave 1” was active, which listed drone swarms as one of the top priorities for Kiev in 2025 .