Saab to supply Giraffe radars to US Air Force in Europe
The order for the radars was placed by BAE Systems. (Photo: Saab)
Saab began development of the radar in 2012. Production started in 2014 and Sweden ordered systems in 2020 for SEK2.1 billion as part of a five-year deal.
Saab will supply US Air Force in Europe (USAFE) with multiple Giraffe 4A radar systems under a SEK525 million (US$48 million) order placed by BAE Systems on 9 December.
The number of systems included in the contract was not disclosed and deliveries are expected to start in 2027. The systems will provide long-range surveillance and air base air defence in a mobile package for USAFE.
The Giraffe 4A is a medium- to long-range multi-function radar system that combines designs from the Arthur and Giraffe AMB product families. It utilises an AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar sensor, offering all-weather coverage against diverse aerial threats, including low-speed UAVs and supersonic missiles.
The radar operates in the S-band frequency, employing GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology for enhanced performance.
It has an instrumented range of up to 400km for air surveillance, up to 280km for tracking air targets and 100km for mortar detection, with elevation coverage reaching up to 70°.
USAFE has seven main air bases in Europe including in the UK, Italy and Germany and notably Incirlik Air Base in Turkey near the Syrian border which is home to the 39th Air Base Wing and vital to operations in the Middle East.
The force also operates out of 32nd Tactical Air Base in Łask, Poland. The importance of the deployment is emphasised by the deployment in 2022 of 12 F-22 Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted]()
Eurosatory 2026: Nordic CV90 contract to be signed this year as best offer submitted
The four-nation Nordic Programme to buy BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90 MkIV tracked vehicles is an ambitious effort for the partner countries to buy almost identical vehicles and is worth billions of dollars.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Robots rule as large, wheeled systems with articulated legs stand out]()
Eurosatory 2026: Robots rule as large, wheeled systems with articulated legs stand out
Dozens of uncrewed ground vehicles have been on display at Eurosatory 2026, with particularly notable platforms including VisionWave's Varan and Patria's planned uncrewed TRACKX.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: AM General’s Hawkeye gains traction as JLTV A2 targets 2027 FRP]()
Eurosatory 2026: AM General’s Hawkeye gains traction as JLTV A2 targets 2027 FRP
AM General’s Hawkeye adds a howitzer to a light vehicle as the company highlights strong interest in the system following an order from Kosovo, with demonstrations scheduled for a dozen countries.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: French Gendarmerie expands Centaur fleet]()
Eurosatory 2026: French Gendarmerie expands Centaur fleet
The French Gendarmerie Nationale is continuing to field the Centaur internal security vehicle as it replaces the ageing Berliet VBRG fleet.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation]()
Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation
The new platforms being shown by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles offer reduced crew needs and upgraded firepower options to meet Italy's future heavy land forces requirements.
