The exploitation of UAVs in the Swedish Armed Forces began with the procurement of three 'Sperwer' systems from the French company SAGEM in 1999. Designated 'Owl' (Ugglan), the Sperwer provides battle group level ISTAR. Weighing in at 320kg and with a wingspan of 4.2m, it requires a ramp to launch. The Owl system was integrated into Swedish Army intelligence units from 2004.With imagery Intelligence (MINT) being a priority for the Swedish Armed Forces from the outset, Owl was procured partly because of its real-time video capability. With a range of 74km - an endurance of three hours - its 75kg payload includes IR and high sensitivity cameras feeding into ground stations employing 3D terrain modelling, linked to C4I networks compatible with NATO data links: the Spewer system has also seen service with the armies of France, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands.
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