Exclusive: Swedish Army Tests Mobile Counter-Drone Vehicles Armed with 30mm and 40mm Cannons.

According to information published by the Swedish Ministry of Defense on July 1, 2025, the Swedish Army, in collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and national defense industry partners, has successfully developed and fielded a new mobile anti-drone concept in less than six months. This initiative, launched under the urgent framework of "Operation Gute," responds to the rapidly evolving threat landscape dominated by the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which are now considered among the most dangerous threats to ground forces.
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Swedish Army's new mobile counter-drone systems in action during live-fire testing, featuring a 4x4 vehicle with the Trackfire ARES 30mm cannon and a 6x6 truck equipped with the Tridon Mk2 40mm turret. (Picture source: Swedish MoD)

The Swedish counter-UAS concept focuses on speed, automation, and simplicity, enabling it to be effectively operated by conscripted personnel. It integrates existing, field-proven systems into a cohesive architecture that combines multiple sensor types—both active and passive—linked through a high-automation command and control system. This integration ensures ultra-rapid response capabilities, reducing the time from drone detection to engagement to just a few seconds, a critical requirement in modern high-threat environments.

The live-fire demonstration of this new capability featured two distinct mobile platforms. The first is a 4x4 armored vehicle equipped with the Saab Trackfire ARES remote weapon station, armed with a 30mm automatic cannon. The Trackfire ARES is a fully stabilized, remotely operated system capable of integrating a variety of weapons and advanced sensor suites, including thermal imaging, CCD TV, and laser rangefinders. Designed for high-speed target acquisition and precision engagement, it is well-suited to neutralize fast, low-flying drones even in complex environments.

The second platform is a 6x6 tactical truck mounted with the BAE Systems Tridon Mk2 turret, which features the Bofors 40 Mk4 cannon and programmable 3P munitions. This system offers a higher caliber option, extending the effective range and engagement envelope against larger or more maneuverable drone threats. The Tridon Mk2 also includes advanced electro-optical and radar sensors, along with a digital fire control system, enabling precise, automated firing decisions even under challenging battlefield conditions.

Both systems underwent rigorous operational testing during Operation Gute, simulating real-time drone incursions. The seamless integration of sensor inputs and automated fire control allowed for rapid detection and engagement, proving the system's effectiveness in counter-UAS operations. These platforms not only enhance the Swedish Army's defensive capabilities but also demonstrate the potential for scalable, conscription-ready solutions in the broader European defense landscape.

The development of these mobile anti-drone systems also represents a strategic and economic advantage. Traditional air defense systems, while effective against high-value aerial threats such as aircraft or cruise missiles, rely on extremely costly interceptors that are not designed for frequent use against small, low-cost drones such as FPVs (First Person View) and quadcopters. The growing use of inexpensive commercial and improvised drones in modern conflicts has exposed a critical vulnerability: the inability of legacy missile-based air defenses to economically and sustainably counter drone saturation tactics.

By deploying cannon-armed platforms like the Trackfire ARES and Tridon Mk2, the Swedish Army achieves a cost-effective solution tailored to defeat small UAS swarms without exhausting limited missile inventories. The use of programmable airburst munitions and high-caliber automatic cannons allows for area coverage and kinetic effectiveness far superior to traditional point-defense systems in this role. Moreover, the mobility of these platforms ensures protection can be extended to maneuver units and high-value assets in real time, a necessity in decentralized modern warfare environments.

This initiative underscores Sweden's strategic shift toward agile, high-tech defenses that can be rapidly deployed and integrated into existing force structures. By leveraging domestic industrial capabilities and focusing on modularity and automation, Sweden is positioning itself as a leader in European counter-drone warfare, ready to confront current and emerging aerial threats with speed, precision, and financial sustainability.