U.S. Army Buys lLghtweight Surveillance Radars from Saab

Saab Inc. has been awarded a $46 million contract to deliver its Giraffe 1X radar systems to the U.S. Army.

According to a Pentagon announcement, the contract was awarded to Saab Inc., based in East Syracuse, New York, for the procurement and delivery of Giraffe 1X radars. Bids were solicited online, with one received. Work will be performed in East Syracuse and is expected to be completed by September 29, 2025. Fiscal 2024 Building Partner Capacity funds totaling $46,204,620 were obligated at the time of the award.

The Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting authority under contract number W31P4Q-25-C-0037.

The Giraffe 1X radar — a compact, high-performance 3D air surveillance system — is designed to support a wide range of ground-based air defense (GBAD) missions. As noted by Saab, the radar provides engagement-quality target data, drone detection, and Counter-Artillery, Rocket and Mortar (C-RAM) sensing and warning capabilities in a single, integrated solution.

It is particularly well-suited for use as the main sensor in Very Short Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) systems or as a “gap filler” sensor that complements larger GBAD platforms. The system can also function as a dedicated Counter-UAS (C-UAS) solution, detecting and tracking low, slow, and small targets — a growing threat on modern battlefields.

Thanks to its compact design and low power consumption, the Giraffe 1X can be mounted on virtually any mobile platform or integrated into fixed installations. The complete system weighs less than 150 kilograms, with a topside weight of approximately 100 kilograms, making it highly adaptable for a variety of operational environments.

Giraffe 1X is designed to deliver rapid situational awareness, enabling air defense commanders to respond quickly to changing threats, new tactics, and evolving operational conditions. According to Saab, the radar covers the entire search volume every second, providing continuous, 360-degree airspace surveillance and ensuring that even small, slow-moving aerial targets are detected.

The system’s ability to deliver “swift understanding of the air situation” allows for immediate and effective responses to diverse air threats. This capability is increasingly critical as adversaries deploy more sophisticated drone swarms, indirect fire weapons, and low-altitude aerial platforms that can evade traditional radar systems.

The Giraffe 1X’s modular, lightweight design makes it a versatile tool for defending forward operating bases, critical infrastructure, and maneuvering forces.