Saab deepens UK radar footprint with new Giraffe 1X order

Saab has secured orders from the UK Ministry of Defence for its Giraffe 1X radar systems, reinforcing long-standing defence cooperation between the two parties. 

The contracts cover 11 radar units and associated support, with a total value of approximately SEK 264 million. Deliveries have already commenced, the Swedish defence prime said in a statement.

The Giraffe 1X is a compact, multi-mission 3D radar designed for short-range surveillance and ground-based air defence. It is capable of detecting aerial threats including drones, as well as rockets and artillery. Its low weight enables deployment on mobile platforms or as part of fixed installations.

Saab’s Giraffe systems form part of a wider family of air-surveillance radars first introduced in the late 1970s. Designed for both land and naval applications, they provide early warning, target tracking, and command-and-control support for short- and medium-range air defence.

Modern variants, including the Giraffe 1X, incorporate active electronically scanned array technology and are optimised for high mobility and rapid deployment. 

The family spans lightweight tactical systems through to larger long-range radars, all intended to detect low-altitude threats and integrate within broader air defence networks.

The UK already operates several Saab radar systems. This latest order further extends the use of the Giraffe platform across its armed forces.