The UK’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) has awarded Saab UK a £1.8 million ($2.45 million) contract to deliver logistics support for the multi-mission Giraffe 1X radar system.
Under the agreement, Saab will supply equipment, training, helpdesk services, and spare parts support. The contract period runs from July 2, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with an option to extend support until March 31, 2030.
The contract was awarded directly to Saab UK on technical grounds, as the company is the manufacturer and design authority for the Giraffe 1X. Saab also holds the intellectual property and proprietary technical information required to maintain and support the radar.
The UK previously ordered 11 Giraffe 1X radars in 2023 for 264 million Swedish kronor ($28 million), followed by an additional procurement worth £24 million ($33 million) in April 2026.
Giraffe 1X
Saab’s Giraffe 1X is a lightweight and mobile 3D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed for tactical air and surface surveillance. Weighing less than 150 kilograms (330 pounds), the system can be rapidly deployed on light vehicles, masts, or tripods and operated by relatively small teams.
The radar is designed to detect, track, and classify low-altitude threats, including drones, helicopters, and slow-moving aircraft. It also supports counter-uncrewed aircraft system operations and provides detection and warning capabilities against rockets, artillery, and mortar threats.
Its compact and mobile design makes the Giraffe 1X suitable for protecting forward operating bases, maneuvering forces, and other critical military assets.
Saab UK has also established a defense manufacturing facility in Fareham, southern England, to manufacture and support radar and underwater robotics systems. The facility supports platforms including the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB, and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery-locating radar.
