The Swedish company Saab is advancing the development of a large autonomous underwater drone and plans to begin sea trials in mid-2026.
The project, conducted in partnership with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), aims to validate new capabilities for underwater operations, especially in strategic missions.
Named Autonomous Ocean Drone (AOD), the prototype was funded through a contract worth approximately US$6.9 million and incorporates a proprietary artificial intelligence and autonomous control system. The goal is to assess the use of this type of platform in tasks such as surveillance, data collection, and protection of critical seabed infrastructure.
At about 7 meters in length and with an endurance exceeding 600 nautical miles, the vehicle was designed to operate independently for extended periods. In addition, the model will serve as a basis for studies on integration with submarines, including future applications in A26-class models, expanding the role of unmanned systems in naval forces.
According to Saab, the demonstrator will also enable improvements in software and expand the level of autonomy of these platforms over the coming years. Although a commercial launch date has not yet been set, the company indicates that the trials will be crucial in turning the project into an operational product aimed at the military market.
Source: Naval News | Photo: X @Saab | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Saab to develop large autonomous underwater vehicle for Sweden.
Saab has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for a larger uncrewed underwater vehicle.
Read more here: https://t.co/95chfOFSPv
#SuperiorAtSea #Underwater #LUUV pic.twitter.com/NlA02GtJvD— Saab (@Saab) August 29, 2025
