Field trials on deep operations supported by loitering munition

Authors:

  • Per Wikberg
  • Mirko Thorstensson
  • Johannes Andersen
  • Sanna Andersson
  • Olaf Binsch
  • Martin Fransson
  • Petter Norrblom

Publish date: 2026-03-23

Report number: FOI-R--5786--SE

Pages: 27

Written in: Swedish

Keywords:

  • loitering ammunition
  • UAV
  • rangers
  • special operations
  • deep operations

Abstract

The "Demo UCAV" project is a collaboration between the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOI), aiming to explore the integration of loitering munitions into military operations across a range of unit types. As a part of the work, the project conducted three field trials to evaluate their tactical use in deep operations by ranger units. Initially a preliminary tactical method was developed as a framework for assessment. The first trial, held at K 4 (Norrlands Dragon Regiment), tested the launch control procedure and Battle Damage Assessment. A reconnaissance drone and a ranger unit identified targets, followed by simulated strikes by loitering munitions. The second trial, part of a larger exercise, involved a K 3 (Life Regiment Hussars) ranger platoon retaking a protected site with support from a reconnaissance drone and loitering munitions, again using simulated strikes by loitering munitions. The third trial involved live fire, where two loitering munitions were deployed based on intelligence from a reconnaissance drone. The trials resulted in a tactical method, which is described in this report. The main conclusion is that loitering munitions are a valuable tool for special operations forces, and their use aligns with NATO's targeting process without requiring significant changes to current combat tactics.