Sweden Chooses Saab’s Giraffe 1X Radar Mounted on SISU GTP Armored Vehicle

Saab has received an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) for its Giraffe 1X surface radar, intended for one of Sweden’s Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) solutions. This contract, valued at approximately SEK 700 million, spans from 2024 to 2027 and includes the full integration of the Giraffe 1X radar into Sweden’s command and control systems. The radar will be installed on a Sisu GTP armored vehicle, thereby enhancing the country’s ground-based air defense capabilities.

The Giraffe 1X is a lightweight, high-performance 3D multi-mission radar developed by Saab, primarily designed for ground-based air defense applications. Entering production in the early 2020s, the Giraffe 1X quickly gained recognition for its versatility and compact design, allowing it to be integrated into various mobile, deployable, or fixed platforms.

Weighing less than 150 kg, this radar system provides continuous air surveillance, capable of detecting a wide range of threats, including low, slow, and small (LSS) targets, drones, and counter-artillery, rocket, and mortar (C-RAM) threats. Its ability to cover the entire search volume every second makes it an essential component for short-range air defense and a complement to larger GBAD systems.

In terms of capabilities, the Giraffe 1X offers multifunctional protection with simultaneous air surveillance, GBAD target acquisition, and C-RAM warning capabilities without performance degradation. The radar is particularly effective in detecting and tracking small drones, distinguishing them from birds with minimal false alarms.

This makes it suitable for applications ranging from military force protection to security at civil events. While the exact number of units in service varies by operator, the Giraffe 1X is actively used by several military forces and has become a crucial asset in enhancing situational awareness and air defense capabilities.

Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance division, expressed his satisfaction with the integration of the Giraffe 1X into Sweden’s air defense, highlighting its importance in strengthening the protection of Swedish forces.

This radar is a key component of Sweden’s defense strategy, offering advanced detection and threat identification capabilities on the battlefield. The contract between Saab and FMV underscores Sweden’s commitment to modernizing and enhancing its air defense capabilities, relying on cutting-edge technologies suited to current and future battlefield requirements.