Saab Secures Major Radar System Contract
Saab has announced a significant new contract with the Swedish government to supply Giraffe 4A radar systems along with essential services for the Swedish Armed Forces. This agreement is valued at approximately 1.4 billion Swedish kronor, which translates to around $144 million. Scheduled deliveries of these advanced radar systems are set to occur between 2026 and 2027, marking a substantial boost in Sweden’s military capabilities.
The Giraffe 4A radar system represents a leap forward in multi-functional tracking technology. Its capabilities allow for the simultaneous tracking of various aerial targets, strengthening Sweden’s air and maritime surveillance, as well as enhancing military air traffic control operations. According to Saab, the Giraffe 4A will significantly upgrade ground-based air surveillance, backed by state-of-the-art mobile sensors and flexible software updates.
Enhanced Multi-Mission Capabilities
The Giraffe 4A boasts an impressive range of detection and tracking capabilities, which enables it to identify a variety of airborne threats. These include not only fast-moving jets and supersonic missiles but also low-flying targets such as drones. In addition to tracking these threats, the system can recognize incoming projectiles like rockets, artillery, and mortars, as well as signals from electronic jamming efforts.
With its 360-degree coverage, the Giraffe 4A refreshes target positions every second, ensuring that operators remain informed of any developments. Notably, should the approach direction of a threat be established, the system can concentrate its focus in that area and refresh its data an impressive eight times per second. It is capable of detecting targets from a distance of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles), providing a vital advantage in air defense operations.
Rapid Setup and Versatility
Designed for efficiency, the Giraffe 4A radar system is also mobile and self-contained. It can be quickly set up by just two personnel in under ten minutes, making it ideal for dynamic military environments where time is of the essence. Disassembly is equally rapid, taking less than five minutes, which further enhances operational flexibility.
Moreover, the Giraffe 4A’s design ensures its compatibility with standard military transport aircraft, including the C-130, A400M, and C-17. This facilitates seamless loading and unloading through conventional container handling systems, allowing for swift deployment and repositioning as military needs evolve.
