The new Loke concept, developed to meet threats from drones, was used for the first time in a real NATO mission and strengthened the Air Defense of the Allied forces in Poland.
Between April and September 2025, the system was deployed by the Swedish Air Force at the Malbork Air Base in the North Pole, where it protected strategic installations.
+ German navy sends frigate to Denmark in the middle of drone ingresses
The Swedish quota included units from 21 and later 17.
“Effective air operations require reliable protection from the ground. The systems we placed, the safety of the bases significantly strengthened us and our allies, ”said Colonel Christian Bertilsson, head of the Swedish contingent.
The Loke system
Launched in February 2025, Loke was developed by the Swedish defense material management (FMV), the Swedish Air Force and Saab. The concept came about as a quick response to the increasing drone threat and has already become a cornerstone of Sweden’s defense ability.
The system combines:
- Saab Giraffe 1x mobile radar, able to identify air dimensions in short and medium range;
- Trackfire remote controlled combat station, equipped with heavy and medium heavy machine guns;
- Modules for electronic warfare, which extends the ability to detect and neutralize threats.
This integration makes it possible to detect not only physical goals, but also signals in the electromagnetic spectrum, and provides several alternatives for real -time neutralization.
Accelerated development
According to Saab, Loke was developed in record time: Only 84 days separated the first concept idea from the operational presentation. This speed is emphasized as an example of threat -controlled development, which can deliver tangible results in a short time.
With the success of the first NATO mission, Sweden strengthens its contribution to the collective European defense and demonstrates the effectiveness of innovative solutions to the increasing drone threat in modern combat scenarios.
Source and pictures: Saab. This content was created with the help of KI and reviewed by the editorial staff.
