RAF receives Saab Giraffe 1X radars for drone defence

Saab UK has delivered Giraffe 1X radar systems to the Royal Air Force for use in counter-drone operations, with the equipment intended to support the detection and tracking of uncrewed aerial systems on deployed operations.

The delivery follows what Saab described as an urgent operational requirement from the RAF and builds on previous work between the company and the service on counter-UAS capability. Saab said the radars have now become part of the RAF’s wider counter-drone architecture, supporting the detection, tracking and engagement of airborne threats alongside other systems used to protect personnel and facilities.

A Royal Air Force spokesperson said: “As the customer, we have been impressed with how Saab were able to mobilise their global production capacity to rapidly satisfy our Giraffe 1X requirement in support of Counter Drone operations on deployed operations. This equipment is critical in mitigating the risk to life posed by the drone threat. Saab gave delivery quickly and innovatively, working with the MOD team to satisfy this contract.”

Saab said the procurement was driven by an operational requirement and involved cooperation between its UK operations and the company’s wider production network. The company did not give the number of Giraffe 1X systems delivered, the value of the procurement or the precise locations at which the radars will be operated.

The Giraffe 1X is a compact three-dimensional radar designed for short-range surveillance and the detection of small airborne targets. Saab markets the system for roles including counter-UAS, ground-based air defence and battlefield surveillance, with the radar designed to be deployed from fixed positions or integrated onto vehicles and other mobile platforms.

Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, said: “This delivery showcases the dedication and expertise of teams across Saab, from our UK manufacturing operations through to colleagues across the wider business, who worked together to support delivery of this capability. It demonstrates the strength of Saab’s industrial footprint in the UK and our ability to bring together the right resources to support our customers’ requirements. We are proud to provide British and coalition forces with the capabilities they need to carry out their mission and to keep people and society safe.”

Giraffe 1X is the smallest member of Saab’s Giraffe radar family. According to Saab, the system is designed to detect small, low and slow-moving targets while remaining sufficiently compact for rapid deployment. The radar can also contribute tracking data to wider command-and-control and air defence systems rather than operating as a standalone counter-drone weapon.