Saab and General Atomics Complete First Flight of Unmanned Airborne Early Warning System

May 22, 2026
Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have completed the first flight of an unmanned Airborne Early Warning system combining Saab's LoyalEye radar with the MQ-9B aircraft. The test marks the start of a multi-month evaluation phase leading to a full capability demonstration later this year.

Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have successfully completed the first flight of the world's first unmanned Airborne Early Warning solution, announced in a press release. The system combines Saab's LoyalEye radar sensor with General Atomics' MQ-9B unmanned aircraft.

The flight took place on May 19 at General Atomics' Desert Horizon facility in Southern California. It marks the beginning of a multi-month test and evaluation phase that will conclude with a full capability demonstration later in 2026.

The LoyalEye radar is designed to extend airborne sensing and enhance situational awareness when paired with unmanned aircraft. Saab and General Atomics plan for the system to support early detection, long range tracking, and the simultaneous monitoring of multiple targets. The platform will operate both beyond line of sight and through satellite communication links.

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