The Swedish Army will acquire Saab Trackfire Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to boost the counter-drone air defences of its nascent Amphibious Battalion.
The SEK 1.4 billion (about £1.2 million) order includes the new Trackfire ARES (Aerial Response) RWS, which incorporates the M230LF Bushmaster chain gun.
Delivery of the C-UAS (counter-uncrewed aerial systems) platforms will begin within 15 months — potentially later this year — and orders are expected to be completed during 2028.
The FMV statement added that the deal included stand-alone training systems and said the weapon stations and sensors offered “self-protection against sea, ground and air targets, both manned and unmanned systems.”
As per a company press statement: “Trackfire RWS is a fully stabilized, remotely operated dual-weapon station that offers pinpoint accuracy while on the move, whether mounted on naval vessels, land vehicles, or stationary defence positions.”
It said the order placed by Försvarets Materielverk, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), was to supply the Swedish Army “and the Amphibious Battalion 2030, which is an ongoing defence project aimed at developing the future amphibious forces.”
Head of Saab’s Surveillance division Carl-Johan Bergholm commented: “We are honoured that Trackfire RWS has been selected as a crucial part of the future capabilities for the Swedish amphibious forces and the Swedish Army.
“This order reflects our commitment to delivering state-of-the-art solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern defence. Trackfire RWS, with its precision and adaptability, will be a vital asset in enhancing operational effectiveness.”
Naval equipment manager at FMV Joakim Drakfors added: “Through this acquisition, we strengthen the self-protection of the amphibious units and other unit types and create the conditions for continued capability development.”
- You can read more details on the Saab website and the FMV website