Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) has made a strategic move to enhance its uncrewed systems capabilities by procuring new reconnaissance and attack drones from Danish SME Nordic Wing.
As detailed in an announcement on August 19, the FMV, which serves as the procurement body for the Swedish Armed Forces, disclosed that this acquisition consists of two complementary drones that utilize common software.
The first of the two drones is the Astero, specifically designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). Nordic Wing indicates that this drone has been operational in Ukraine since 2023. The second drone in the package is the Raptor 2, a fixed-wing attack system.
Notably, the Astero ISR drone can function as a relay and spotter for up to three Raptor systems in what is referred to as “wingman mode.” This allows the Raptor 2 to effectively engage targets identified during operations.
How the Astero and Raptor 2 Function
Eric Holmberg, head of artillery and mortar systems at the FMV, remarked, “With this acquisition, the Swedish Armed Forces can continue to develop its capabilities in loitering munitions.”
The purchase also includes additional equipment such as operator stations in the form of laptops and radios, as well as simulators for training and practice. Furthermore, Nordic Wing will supply workshop containers for maintenance tasks in the field.
Planned deliveries of the two drones to the Swedish Armed Forces are scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. The FMV has yet to disclose the acquisition’s value or the total number of uncrewed systems that are part of this deal.
“Opportune Purchases” – A Fast-Track Procurement Mechanism
This acquisition was executed under a framework for “opportune purchases”, which was approved in Sweden’s 2025 Spring Amending Budget. The framework includes a SEK25 billion (GBP1.94 billion) budget, enabling the FMV and the Swedish Armed Forces to swiftly acquire operational systems with a high level of technology readiness.
This acquisition continues Sweden’s ongoing efforts to modernize its uncrewed systems. Earlier in January, the Swedish government announced an additional investment of SEK4 billion (GBP309.92 million) to procure new uncrewed systems for its armed forces. This investment aims to bolster warfighting capabilities across various combat units, focusing on loitering munitions, ISR drones, and marine applications.
Source: DSEI (2026-08-24T12:16:08.341Z)
