Saab begins Giraffe 4A radar production
Saab has commenced production of the first Giraffe 4A radar following completion of a series of operationally-focussed, deployed field tests of the system to demonstrate its weapons location, air defence and air surveillance functions.
The validation tests, performed at multiple locations throughout August, all met or exceeded the expected performance, with the radar demonstrating advanced functionality against small targets and jamming.
The system is now in production at the company’s in Gothenburg, Sweden facility, for an unnamed customer, and Saab is on track to deliver the radar in 2016.
Saab extended its range of surface radar systems with the addition of the Giraffe 4A in May 2014, with an option now available to meet the spectrum of air surveillance and air defence application requirements, on land and at sea.
Anders Linder, head of surface radar solutions, Saab, said: ‘Saab can now cater for all ground and naval defence radar needs; from VSHORAD to long-range air surveillance and weapons location, with multi-functional capability.
‘Distinctive characteristics for our radars include the use of a stacked beam (digital beam forming), a high update rate, plus superb performance in clutter and jamming resistance.’
Multi-function capabilities include automatic air and surface surveillance and ‘track-on-jam’; classification of targets including hovering and moving helicopters; high accuracy indication to weapon systems for anti-air and anti-surface engagements; 360 degree incoming mortar/rocket fire alert and hostile weapons location; and target designation for long-range surface-to-air missiles.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal]()
Norway opts for Hanwha’s Chunmoo for long-range fires under $2 billion deal
The selection of Hanwha’s K239 Chunmoo long-range precision fires system, with a contract expected to be signed on 30 January, makes Norway the second European country to choose the system. It is expected an operational system will be in service within four years.
-
![Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax]()
Land forces review: Tanks, trucks and IFVs dominate but woes remain for Ajax
This year has begun with main battle tanks taking the lead while orders for large logistics and support vehicles continued from last year. Additionally, two of the British Army’s most significant contracted vehicle programmes, Ajax reconnaissance vehicle and Challenger 3 tank, continued to make news in January.
-
![Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank]()
Canada looking to expedite purchase of armoured fighting vehicle and a new tank
Canada is improving its Leopard main battle tank fleet but before this is fully completed, it is expected to begin looking for new vehicles.
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
-
![UK agrees parallel development and production process for British Army Challenger 3]()
UK agrees parallel development and production process for British Army Challenger 3
In a bid to accelerate delivery of the British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank, which has just carried out its first crewed firings with the latest Rheinmetall 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, the UK has opted for an unconventional approach.
