The British Army has officially received five of Saab’s next-generation Arthur systems, known as TAIPAN, which will enhance the Army’s ability to detect and locate enemy artillery with improved precision and mobility, according to a press release.
The systems, delivered and accepted on 22nd July 2024, are now operational with the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery, replacing the older MAMBA radar system.
The new TAIPAN radars are designed to offer rapid deployment and re-deployment capabilities, alongside “high operational mobility”.
Saab’s Digital Antenna technology enables the system to locate more targets at greater range while reducing electronic warfare signatures, making it a key asset for counter-battery operations. Saab emphasised the system’s “survivability, reliability and high availability” as key advantages of this next-generation platform.
At a ceremony on 28th June 2024 at Larkhill Camp, the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery formally accepted TAIPAN as part of its Colours. Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director of Saab UK, expressed pride in the delivery of the new systems, stating, “We are immensely proud to support the British Army with our state-of-the-art TAIPAN systems. Our relationship with the Army and the Arthur system builds on years of experience extending back through service in Iraq and Afghanistan.”
Fraser also noted that the UK is the first user of both the current and next-generation Arthur systems.
Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory KBE CB, Master Gunner St James’s Park, highlighted the long-standing partnership between the British Army and Saab, commenting, “Saab are our key partner for both MAMBA and now TAIPAN and what it as a company have and continue to deliver to our Armed Forces is hugely impressive. MAMBA has more than proved its worth and TAIPAN is a step change in capability.”
Maintenance and additional support for the TAIPAN systems will be provided by Saab’s UK-based Centre of Radar Excellence in Fareham. This facility is part of Saab’s broader strategy to expand its industrial base outside Sweden. Beyond the UK, the Arthur system is in service with 12 other nations, including six NATO members and South Korea.
Older system to Ukraine?
No.
The Taipan is the previous Mamba radar mounted on a new platform. UK has sent a Mamba to Ukraine, it did some work but was then lost…
We don’t have enough to send, but Serpens with Groundmaster is on the way…
Things are in a mess until then due to the failure of what was supposed to be the main artillery radar a few years ago…
How far back are going with that comment about failing, COBRA? I worked on the procurement of that, but was long gone when it actually came in to service. Apart from being a bit heavy for x-country work it was functioning okay in trials.
Yes Cobra.
In service endless issues with the vehicle. Rapidly given away to Jordan despite the huge amounts of money invested in it…I’m sure a little of that was cost-cutting but Army wanted shot of it. Pity because Ukraine could really do with more of that capability.
Hopefully the Groundmaster radar chosen for SERPENS will fare better…
Thanks, I haven’t been following that GM200 procurement. I agree re Ukraine, one lesson that seems constantly ignored is the need to stop throwing kit away. When all the nice shiny stuff has been destroyed, what you saved in care and preservation is all you have.