Saab and UMS Aero Group form JV

Saab will form a joint venture with UMS Aero Group to target the defence and civil tactical UAS markets, the company announced on 21 December.

Saab will transfer all assets relating to its Skeldar UAS to the new joint venture, which has been named UMS Skeldar.

The combined UAS portfolio of UMS Skeldar consists of four certified vehicles in the 20-250kg weight range, including two fixed-wing UAS, another rotary-wing UAS, and Skeldar.

The new company will look to manage and deliver complete UAV programmes for its customers, including the development, manufacture, testing, training and maintenance of the UAS plus all associated systems such as ground stations, communications links and data terminals.

Saab's holding in UMS Skeldar amounts to 47 per cent. The head office will be located in Möhlin, Switzerland with an office also established in Linköping, Sweden.

Ulf Nilsson, head of aeronautics, Saab, said: ‘Through UMS Skeldar we are securing access to a portfolio that complements Saab's other investments in autonomous systems in an excellent way.

‘This partnership brings increased focus to the marketing and sales of Skeldar and other unmanned systems. Through the JV we are able to offer the market a combination of the smaller company's flexibility and Saab's extensive experience within the field of aviation.’

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Skeldar V-200