Saab has secured an order from BAE Systems to supply multiple Giraffe 4A radar systems for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
The contract, valued at approximately $48 million (525 million SEK), will see deliveries begin in 2027.
The Giraffe 4A radar system is designed to provide long-range surveillance and airbase air defence capabilities in a highly mobile package. It is a multi-function radar that will enhance the U.S. Air Forces in Europe’s surveillance operations, addressing critical needs for modernising airfield surveillance and strengthening their sensing capabilities.
Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S., said that “Giraffe 4A is a multi-function radar that provides users a range of surveillance capabilities in support of comprehensive air defence,” further noting its importance in enhancing the U.S. Air Force’s expeditionary combat airfield surveillance operations.
The Giraffe 4A features cutting-edge digital multi-channel systems with the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. The radar systems will be delivered from both Saab’s U.S. and Swedish facilities.
BAE Systems Technical Solutions & Services Inc. serves as the prime contractor for this award, supporting the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
You have to wonder how much the US tax payer could save by just buying these from SAAB instead of via a US defence contractor. Hats off to BAE for finding an easy pay day.
Perhaps this is a job for DOGE but I can’t imagine the MAGA base being happy about buying radars from “socialist foreigners”
Too late, SAAB radars are already used pretty widely by the US armed forces. The USN uses different configurations of Sea Giraffe in the Independence class LCS (AN/SPS-77) and as an ATC/marshalling radar on CVNs and LHA/LHDs (AN/SPN-50).
SAAB and BAE have had an agreement since 1995 when the two companies entered into a 50/50 agreement to develop and explore the Giraffe for export. BAE makes components for Griffen in its US factories which will delight MAGA supporters. But then, ignorance hasn’t ever stopped you from commenting.
There’s the base.
If BAE and Saab have an agreement on radars then why did Saab have to win this contract from BAE and why does the uk buy its radars from Saab direct?
Answers on a postcard please.
The US doesn’t buy equipment from foreign companies. As with NSM when it does it has to be repackaged as a US defence product. In other instances as with MRTT it alters competitions even after they were won.
Surely this is the ideal radar for our own improved air defences?
280km range, so could handle CAMM-MR (when it comes) easily.
Fits in a TEU footprint, albeit without the height advantage of Giraffe AMB, so no new vehicle to carry it.
Presumably very similar systems and integration to existing command and control.