´The use of unmanned aerial vehicles has not escaped anyone, not least in the Ukraine war. Sweden has operated UAV systems for almost 30 years, but on a relatively small scale. The technology is used to a greater extent by some armed forces. The purpose of our study has been to examine from a development perspective the conditions for the introduction of UAVs for the protection and surveillance of Swedish air bases. The study has an inductive approach where we obtained data throuhg interviews and litterature studies, which were then analyzed with the help of previous research and governing documents.

Different types of UAVs, together with existing methods, can significantly increase the effectiveness of the protection and surveillance of air bases, especially the ability to monitor large areas. In parallel with own UAV capacity, the air bases´ability to act against enemy UAVs must also be developed.

There are challenges with today´s materiel procurement process which means that it is perceived as slow to introduce new materielsystems, a further decentralization of the decision-making mandate would in this case bring out more agile materiel procurement.

Operating with unmanned systems in the same area as own aircraft requires well-functioning coordination. There are methods for this, but they need to be developed and practiced to a greater extent.