Sweden is setting up an unmanned systems test facility at its Karlsborg site in the country’s southwest to trial tactical platforms and train personnel using copies of Russian drones.
As part of the effort, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) launched a two-week training program for FMV and Swedish Armed Forces personnel.
Ukrainian soldiers with frontline experience are supporting the initiative, sharing operational knowledge gained in combat.
The goal of the training “is to build practical ability to detect, track and defeat enemy drone systems to protect our own units,” stated FMV official Michael Ledenius.
“By purchasing copies of Russian systems, we can train against the threat we ourselves risk facing.”
The exercises involve coordinated use of reconnaissance and attack drones.
Each drone team consists of three operators who control the systems entirely from computer stations near the launch site, rather than using handheld devices.
Reconnaissance and Attack
Among the systems tested at the Karlsborg facility are the Stork reconnaissance drone and the MACE attack platform.
The Stork is a catapult-launched platform used for aerial reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, barrage control, and patrol missions.
It cruises at about 70 kilometers (43 miles) per hour, can remain airborne for up to four hours, and reaches altitudes of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), transmitting operational data and imagery in real-time to ground operators.
The MACE is a short-endurance strike drone carrying various payloads, including directional explosive charges and a 3.6-kilogram (7.9-pound) thermobaric warhead.
It cruises at around 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour and can reach a top speed of roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) per hour.
Its flight time is up to one hour with an effective range of up to 60 kilometers (37 miles).
In drills, the Stork maps the area and identifies targets, after which the MACE is launched from a ramp using compressed air, climbs to altitude, and dives at high speed to strike.
