Saab Skeldar V-150

The Saab Skeldar V‑150 is a medium‑range, vertical‑take‑off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial system developed by the Swedish aerospace company Saab Group. Its origins trace back to the 2001 acquisition of the British‑American UAV manufacturer CybAero, after which Saab merged the CybAero Shadow technology with its own Skeldar concept, producing the V‑130 and later the larger V‑150, which entered operational service in 2015. The V‑150 can carry up to 150 kg of payload and remains aloft for more than eight hours, thanks to a lightweight composite airframe, a fuel‑efficient rotary engine, and advanced flight‑control software. Key features include fully autonomous launch and recovery, modular sensor bays that support electro‑optical, infrared, maritime surveillance and electronic‑intelligence payloads, as well as a secure datalink that enables real‑time command and control over distances up to 200 km. Its VTOL capability eliminates the need for runways, allowing deployment from ships, offshore platforms and remote land sites. The Skeldar V‑150 has become a cornerstone for naval and coast‑guard forces worldwide, providing persistent situational awareness, rapid response to emerging threats, and a cost‑effective alternative to manned aircraft, thereby shaping modern UAV operations in both military and civilian domains.