I/ITSEC: Saab Reveals UAV live Training Developments

During the I/ITSEC event in Orlando, Florida, Saab has revealed a UAV training capability which can act both as an asset or threat during military exercises. Saab has also recently received an order from an undisclosed customer to deliver a number of prototype UAV live training systems.

Saab’s new UAV trainer is used as an add-on within live training. It connects to Saab’s exercise control software EXCON and it can be equipped with sensors and simulated weapons as desired by the customer. It also has a laser target system, meaning it can both virtually engage participants as well as simulate getting shot down by ground forces, thereby enabling evaluation of soldier skills and tactical behaviour.

“We see the increased use of military UAVs on the battlefield. The need for a solution that makes soldiers ready to detect, engage and hide from these is crucial. Saab’s UAV live training capability has already received a huge interest from the existing live training customers. It was initially offered to the UK Armed Forces, who became our first customer using Saab’s instrumented UAV service for live training scenarios,” said Joakim Alhbin, head of Saab’s business unit Training and Simulation.

Designed to replicate aerial threats from opposing forces, the Saab UAV trainer, utilising an ‘off-the-shelf’ UAV platform, can be engaged and defeated whilst capturing troop activity on video and is able to drop ‘virtual munitions’ on soldiers on the ground.  All data is recorded and used to support objective measurement and feedback to improve counter-UAV survivability.

Saab’s military UAV trainer is initially offered as a service, where Saab supports drone operation during training scenarios. In addition, a large number of customer trials have been ordered and delivered, further confirming the strong interest for this capability.