The Giraffe 1X is a ground-based system designed to support air defence through high-quality target data. It detects drones, rockets, and mortars, and its mobility allows deployment across different terrain as operational needs arise.
🇱🇻 🤝 🇸🇪 Latvia strengthens air defence – Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Latvia, Daniel Ulson, and representatives of the Swedish company @Saab ceremoniously handed over Giraffe 1X airspace surveillance radars to the Latvian Air Force.#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/JK4plBNHZu
— Ministry of Defence of Latvia (@MoD_Latvia) December 4, 2025
Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds said the new systems will reinforce Latvia’s ability to respond quickly to airspace threats. “The additional Giraffe 1X radars we are receiving today significantly strengthen our ability to identify and neutralize airspace threats in a timely manner. They are modern, reliable, and have already proven their effectiveness in joint exercises with Latvia and our allies. I thank Sweden and our partners at Saab for their close cooperation. These capabilities are a crucial contribution to enhancing the security of our country and the entire region,” emphasized Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.
The radars, produced by Saab, are already used by the National Armed Forces and were first operated during the “Baltic Zenith 2023” exercises. A contract for additional units was signed in December 2024.
The ceremony was attended by senior military and industry representatives, including Major General Georgs Kerlins, Chief of the National Armed Forces Joint Staff, and Lieutenant Colonel Imants Kleinbergs, Commander of the Air Force Air Defence Division. Swedish Defence Attaché Commodore Gert Burgstaller and Dan Runefeldt, Head of Saab in Latvia, also took part.
Source: Latvian Ministry of Defence.
