Saab UK’s subsidiary BlueBear has supported a British Army air defence exercise in the Falkland Islands aimed at testing operational readiness and coordination in remote conditions.
The exercise, codenamed Ex KOP SHIELD, was led by the Army’s 7th Air Defence Group in cooperation with the Royal Air Force and British Forces South Atlantic Islands. Over two days and five sorties, the Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System Training Team worked alongside the island’s Sky Sabre battery using BlueBear’s target drone system to simulate incoming aerial threats. RAF Typhoon jets based in the Falklands also participated in the drills to enhance joint coordination.BlueBear supplied equipment and on-site technical support, enabling the Army to extend the system’s operational range to more than 500 kilometres over the South Atlantic—almost double its standard capability.
Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, said the event demonstrated BlueBear’s system performance and effective collaboration with the British Army. “Working alongside the British Army’s 7th Air Defence Group, we were able to simulate real-world scenarios to provide accurate training,” he said.
Flight Lieutenant Dan Anderson of the 7th Air Defence Group stated that the exercise “showcased the capabilities of Sky Sabre, CTT and the professionalism of our personnel.” He added that BlueBear’s system allowed forces to expand training distances and collect valuable performance data.
BlueBear’s target systems have now been tested in a range of climates, including the Arctic, Europe, the Middle East and the South Atlantic, as part of ongoing air defence and counter-drone training programs.
