Saab wins £24 million UK contract for Giraffe 1X radars to boost air defence and counter-drone capability

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Saab UK has received an order from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence for its Giraffe 1X compact radar systems, with a total value of approximately £24 million. The systems will be produced at Saab UK’s Centre of Radar Excellence in Fareham, reinforcing domestic capability in advanced radar technologies.
Photo: Saab.

Saab UK has received an order from the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence for its Giraffe 1X compact radar systems, with a total value of approximately £24 million. The systems will be produced at Saab UK’s Centre of Radar Excellence in Fareham, reinforcing domestic capability in advanced radar technologies.

 

The procurement is funded through the NATO-administered Security Assistance and Training Ukraine Trust Fund. The order reflects increasing demand for radar systems capable of supporting weapon locating, air surveillance and counter-uncrewed aerial system operations.

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, said the system is designed to address evolving threats. “Giraffe 1X delivers a proven capability that can be rapidly deployed to meet evolving threats, including drones,” Fraser said.

He added that domestic production plays a broader role in national capability. “By producing these systems in Fareham, we are not only delivering world-class technology but also supporting UK industry and sovereign capability – critical for supporting our allies with their defence.”

 

 

A spokesperson for the UK Ministry of Defence said the contract underlines a wider security commitment. “This contract reflects our commitment to strengthening collective security through advanced radar technology needed to maintain operational advantage and protect shared interests.”

The Giraffe 1X is a lightweight 3D multi-mission radar designed for flexible deployment across a range of environments. It can operate as a mobile, deployable or fixed sensor and be integrated into both land and naval platforms.

The system is used globally and manufactured in both Sweden and the United Kingdom. Its operational roles include force protection, weapon locating, ground-based air defence including counter-drone detection, and sea surface surveillance across varied terrains.

 

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