Saab UK has officially inaugurated its new three-building manufacturing campus in Fareham, Hampshire, enhancing Britain’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics capabilities, according to a press release.
The site was opened on 4 February 2025 by the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade. It features the development and production of Saab’s “3D multi-mission radar, Giraffe 1X,” and its all-electric “Seaeye SR20 subsea remotely operated vehicle,” as stated in the press release.
The campus is expected to support up to 400 jobs, including apprenticeships, and provides room for further growth in the UK’s defence manufacturing sector.
Saab’s President and CEO, Micael Johansson, said:
“This new campus is testament to Saab’s growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s defence. Thanks to our investment here we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers. We are pleased to have the Secretary of State for Business and Trade join us today to mark this important occasion and to underline the important relationship between Saab and the UK.”
In line with the government’s economic policies, the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP commented:
“Following the Government’s pledge to go further and faster to grow the economy, this is another vote of confidence in the UK, our world-class defence sector, and our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Saab’s investment in Hampshire has brought a major boost to local communities with hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs, and is exactly the sort of growth our pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy will support.”
The new facility, which also incorporates Saab’s Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio, will supply radar systems for both domestic and international customers.
It is set to benefit the Ministry of Defence by “meeting future customer radar requirements and servicing,” as the company supports the “Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defence radars, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars,” according to the press release.
The Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, said:
“This major investment has demonstrated how defence is an engine for growth. Saab’s new facility strengthens support for the radars that help protect our Armed Forces, having created highly skilled jobs while driving innovation. With promising apprenticeship opportunities, this site is helping to drive the jobs of the future – ensuring the next generation has the expertise to keep Britain at the forefront of defence technology.”
Saab confirmed that the Fareham campus forms part of the company’s pledged investment announced in 2023, signalling an ongoing commitment to UK defence and strengthening the nation’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
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You are a fucking disgrace! Wearing saris over the uniform! You look absolutely ridiculous! We’re a fucking laughing stock! We’re the only mad country in the world doing this! These are British citizens! Not Indian! Enough! Bending the fucking knee to every fucker! You are traitors, corrupt and an absolute embarrassment! Stop worrying about what you look like and grovelling to other cultures! What about our British culture!? Fucking disgraceful!
I didn’t get what this was about, now I’ve caught up.
The RN uniform change?
I really don’t see the issue? A British Indian having the mix of both cultures represented in some of their dress uniform. I read Scots and Welsh have variations too.
I’m going to comment on the OP, not something else like ‘Gareth Browne’…..
The opening of this new facility by Saab looks good. I hope it is a not so subtle pointer towards the Defence Review including an order for additional AD systems for the Royal Artillery and (maybe) RAF Regt.
I hope so too!
It would be a good use of cash to get some more Sky Sabre + variants with the longer range flavours of CAMM.
That would be nice. We need to get the system into Akrotiri too, in the absence of anything with a long range/ABM capability.
Lots of interesting things on that big Industrial estate where Saab are located.
So are we actually buying sets of Giraffe 1X?
Are they going to be linked to an effector like Terrahawk or just for surveillance?
How’s the naval integration going?
It’s a great sensor, we just need to buy lots of them.
Hi mate.
I think that Giraffe 1X is already used by 16 RA as part of the Skysabre system. I do not know about any maritime use for the RN yet.
Hi DM
Isn’t Sky Sabre Giraffe AMB, the slightly larger one on a pole? There’ve been prototypes of a Supacat HMT carrying one on exercises but no apparent effector. Your sources probably have more definite information, but I’m just working off publicity photos.
Similarly, Navy Lookout reported that one of the purchase of 1X was for naval testing on board XV Patrick Blackett, but it’s usually quite well publicised when XVPB sails with new and interesting kit and I haven’t heard anything.
Hi mate.
I did read myself on Twitter that Patrick Blackett was involved with the 1X.
My sources? Only the ORBATS mate, I cannot talk of the Giraffe ABM whether it is larger. Davey B would be the man for that.
Does no one learn how to read anymore?