Saab naval air traffic control radar enters next production phase
The AN/SPN-50(V)1 (highlighted in light grey above) is the primary ATC and surveillance radar for US aircraft carriers. (Image: Saab)
Saab has received a contract from the US Navy for an additional two Shipboard Air Traffic Radar sets to equip aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious ships.
The US Navy has awarded Saab a contract modification for two additional AN/SPN-50(V)1 radars under the
Shipboard Air Traffic Radar (SATR) programme, which is currently in Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP). moving to Phase 3.
This award is worth around $30 million and was booked in Q3 2022, with the first system delivery due in 2024. These will be the sixth and seventh systems delivered on the production contract.
The AN/SPN-50(V)1 is a variant of Saab’s Sea Giraffe agile multi-beam radar and will function as the primary ATC and surveillance radar for crewed and uncrewed aviation aboard USN aircraft carriers and large-deck amphibious ships.
Delivery of the USN's ATC and landing capability is overseen by the Naval Air Traffic Management Systems Program Office.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans]()
Poland air report: Drones, transport aircraft and tankers dominate potential procurement plans
With a rising defence budget and equipment list, Poland’s air market is set to grow as the country continues to modernise its transport and helicopter fleets while seeking out uncrewed aerial vehicles and loitering munitions.
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg]()
Podcast: Critical Care episode 5 - Sustaining Europe’s frontline from Heidelberg
As Europe ramps up defence investment in the wake of the Ukraine crisis, the spotlight is turning to how nations sustain their growing fleets.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
