The first of Saab’s new generation of Giraffe radars is in production and on track for delivery to its customer in 2016. The company has also recently completed a further round of testing with the Giraffe 4A radar that again validated the system in a series of real-world operational scenarios.

With the introduction of five all-new complementary Giraffe radars for land and sea, there is now a Giraffe option for all kind of needs in air surveillance and air defence. Production of the first Giraffe 4A system for an undisclosed customer is ongoing at Saab in Gothenburg, Sweden. This incorporates the latest technology in radars, Gallium-Nitride (GaN) circuits.

In parallel with this production activity, during August 2014 Saab conducted a suite of operationally-focussed, deployed field tests with the new Giraffe 4A radar – demonstrating weapons location, air defence and air surveillance functions. These tests, performed at multiple locations, were witnessed by representatives from several countries. All tests met or exceeded the expected performance, with the radar demonstrating impressive functionality against small targets and jamming.

“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,” said Anders Linder, Head of Saab’s business unit Surface Radar Solutions.

Saab’s combat-proven and highly-regarded surface radar portfolio, including the renowned Giraffe AMB and Arthur radars, has been improved and expanded through the addition of new technologies and designs. Alongside its existing products, Saab is now producing new active electrically scanned array (AESA) radar variants for land and sea.

These radars use leap-ahead design techniques that is said to put them in a class of their own in terms of performance and capability. For the first time Saab’s Giraffe radars also offer a solution for long-range air surveillance. There is now a Giraffe option for every air surveillance and air defence application, on land and at sea.