On Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV, Försvarets materielverk), under the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Sweden, signed contracts with domestic companies Saab Defence and Security and BAE Bofors (part of the UK-based BAE Systems), as well as Finland’s Sisu Auto, for the delivery of Gute II counter-drone systems. The total value of orders under the program amounts to 8.7 billion SEK.
Photo: Pål Jonson via X
The Gute II system is to be based on experience gained from the conceptual Gute system, which was demonstrated in June 2025 during Operation Gute on Gotland by the Gotland Regiment. The system is to draw on Ukrainian experience in countering Russian drones. It will consist of a unified command and fire control system, both active and passive sensors, non-kinetic countermeasure systems, as well as kinetic systems based on 30 mm and 40 mm automatic cannons.
“This is a major and important step in expanding protection against drones, particularly for civilian targets. It is also a strength that we can achieve this using equipment largely sourced from Sweden’s defense industry,” – said Jonas Lotsne, Head of FMV’s Army Materiel Division.
Photo: FMV
FMV is now taking the next step in developing the concept and procuring serial production systems that will form what has been designated as Gute II:
- Tridon Mk2 from BAE Bofors is a next-generation 40 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft system, mounted on a Scania Gryphus 6×6 truck chassis and equipped with the Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/70. It debuted at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris (a mock-up was also presented at MSPO 2024) and has been delivered to Ukraine as military aid.
- Fully stabilized, remotely operated Trackfire ARES (Aerial RESponse) weapon stations equipped with a 30 mm automatic cannon (M230LF Bushmaster chambered in 30×113 mm), as well as passive and active sensors, including the Giraffe 1X radar from Saab Defence and Security. It is worth noting that both the Trackfire ARES systems and Giraffe 1X radars had already been ordered earlier by Sweden.
Photo: FMV
The Gute II concept also includes the introduction of Terrängbil 24 (TGB24) light armored vehicle platforms, i.e. GTP 4×4 vehicles produced by Finland’s Sisu Auto, which had previously been ordered jointly with Finland. In addition, it encompasses non-kinetic electronic warfare (EW) systems and electronic support measures (ESM).
The subsystems must be capable of integration and communication with each other based on the prevailing threat picture and the assets to be protected. Gute II must be able to protect both civilian and military targets. The order covers equipment for the first unit, with deliveries to be carried out continuously from 2027 to 2028.
Photo: Saab Defence and Security
“This is a unique concept that we are now scaling up through serial procurement. The subsystems are already in service with the Swedish Armed Forces; they are fully automated and relatively easy to learn to operate. They provide a capability to counter drones quickly and in a coordinated manner, which is absolutely crucial on today’s battlefield,” added Jonas Lotsne.
“With today’s order Sweden will acquire an advanced mobile, modular counter-unmanned aerial system. This technology enhances airspace security by detecting, tracking, and mitigating unmanned aerial threats, and can be easily integrated with other systems,” says Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
Photo: BAE Bofors
During the contract signing ceremony, Sweden’s Minister of Defense, Pål Jonson, said:
“Today we can announce that several air defense contracts worth 8.7 billion have been concluded with deliveries in 2027-2028. The air defense systems will be used to protect critical infrastructure and against drones.
In total, this involves around 70 vehicles, a larger number of Tridon systems, Trackfire systems, electronic warfare and command systems. These contracts implement parts of the government’s previous investments in short-range air defense worth 15 billion and the expedited procurement of counter-drone systems worth 3.5 billion.
Sweden is a large country, and we cannot defend all locations with air defense simultaneously. Therefore, the defense industry, together with defense authorities, has developed a mobile concept called GUTE. The idea is to be able to rapidly relocate counter-drone capabilities to respond to different threat scenarios.
Air defense was heavily affected by past reductions, but not since World War II has Swedish air defense been expanded to the extent it is now. In 2025 alone, air defense investments amount to approximately 50 billion kroner, which is roughly equivalent to the entire defense budget in 2018.
Sweden has also, together with Denmark, decided to send Tridon systems to Ukraine. This will allow us to gain valuable experience and data from the battlefield in Ukraine for our own counter-drone defense.
No task is more important for a government than the protection of Sweden and its population. We have a clear understanding of the uncertain security environment, and we will continue to maintain a high pace of rearmament. Reality demands it of us.”
Idag kan vi meddela att flera luftvärnsavtal till ett värde av 8,7 miljarder har slutits med leveranser 2027-2028. Luftvärnssystemen ska användas till skydd av kritisk infrastruktur och mot drönare. (1/6) pic.twitter.com/nLTi6gAKhu
— Pål Jonson (@PlJonson) April 2, 2026
C-UAS solution gives Sweden a decisive advantage in air defence
Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for a mobile and modular Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS).
Read more: https://t.co/hass0qTNs8 pic.twitter.com/AdBpwS418e— Saab (@Saab) April 2, 2026
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