Using missiles against drones

SAAB has revealed Nimbrix, its first ever dedicated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) missile. The missile is developed to counter the increasing threat from small drones on the battlefield.

The fire-and-forget missile is being rapidly developed at Saab with the aim to deliver a system featuring a target seeker, a hard-kill warhead, and a small footprint – all at a low cost. The range will be up to 5 km with an active seeker to track its target. Its warhead can effectively engage and defeat UAS swarms using an air-burst mode.

“Nimbrix is our answer to the unmanned aerial threats which have escalated in the last few years. It is cost-effective which is critical given the proliferation of UASs on the battlefield. Nimbrix benefits from our long experience of air defence, together with an agile way of responding to new needs,” says Stefan Öberg, head of Saab’s business unit Missile Systems.

The missile operates as a ground-based system and can be operated independently or as part of a larger air defence system. With flexible mounting options to fit different customer requirements, Nimbrix can be mounted on various vehicles or in fixed configurations. The cost-effective nature of the missile contributes to maximising deployed numbers to generate sufficient air defence coverage.

Customer discussions are ongoing and Saab aims for first deliveries in 2026. Nimbrix will be showcased during DSEI in London, UK from 9-12 September 2025, at the SAAB stand, N9-105.