The UK has awarded Saab UK a $2.45-million contract to provide logistics support for the multi-mission Giraffe 1X Radar.
The UK has awarded Saab UK a 1.8-million-pound ($2.45-million) contract to provide logistics support for the multi-mission Giraffe 1X radar.
Under the contract, Saab will provide equipment, training, helpdesk services, and spares support. Delivery is scheduled until March 31, 2027, with an option to extend the contract through March 31, 2030.
The UK’s Defence Equipment and Support awarded the contract directly to the firm on technical grounds, citing the company’s role as the Giraffe 1X’s manufacturer and design authority and its ownership of the intellectual property and proprietary information required to support the system.
The UK ordered 11 Giraffe 1Xs in 2023 for 264 million Swedish kronor ($28 million), and additional systems for 24 million pounds ($33 million) in April 2026.
Giraffe 1X
Saab’s Giraffe 1X is a lightweight, mobile 3D AESA (active electronically scanned array) radar designed for tactical air and surface surveillance. Weighing under 150 kilograms (330 pounds), it can be rapidly deployed on light vehicles, masts, or tripods and operated by small teams.
The radar detects, tracks, and classifies low-altitude threats such as drones, helicopters, and slow-moving aircraft, while providing counter-uncrewed aircraft systems and counter-rocket, artillery, and mortar detection and warning capabilities. Its compact design makes it suited to protecting forward bases, maneuver units, and other critical assets.
Saab UK has also opened a defense manufacturing facility in Fareham, southern England, to produce and support the company’s radar and underwater robotics systems, including the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery-locating radar.
