Saab has announced a significant contract with NATO to enhance the operational lifespan of the Arthur artillery locating radar systems utilized by the Spanish Army. This order, valued at approximately 540 million Swedish kronor (about $57 million), underscores the importance of advancing military technology in supporting national defense.
The Arthur radar system is a sophisticated digital artillery-locating tool designed for essential military functions, including target acquisition, counter-battery operations, and fire control. The life extension initiative is aimed at preserving Spain’s artillery-locating capabilities while simultaneously boosting operational efficiency.
Improvements to the radar will focus on several areas, including enhanced mobility, an extended detection range, and increased accuracy. These upgrades are expected to enable the system to identify more targets over longer distances while minimizing its electronic footprint, thereby improving its overall effectiveness in battlefield scenarios.
Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area, highlighted that this order marks a pivotal moment, as it is the first radar acquisition to be processed through NATO’s procurement organization. He emphasized that this upgrade will bolster Spain’s responsiveness to incoming artillery fire, thereby sustaining its artillery locating force’s capabilities.
The Arthur radar system is noted for its high mobility, capable of being deployed or dismantled in under two minutes, making it ideally suited for frontline operations that demand quick and flexible responses. Additionally, its high level of automation facilitates operation with minimal personnel, decreasing the need for manual input in its functioning.
Designed to operate in various combat vehicles, the radar system is built to withstand challenging combat environments. In practice, the Arthur leverages advanced tracking capabilities to monitor artillery shells in flight, calculate the locations of enemy battery positions, and provide accurate impact data to assist in planning. It also supports swift counter-battery actions, a critical component of modern military strategy.
The Arthur radar is currently deployed in twelve countries, including Norway, Sweden, South Korea, and the Czech Republic, with Spain, Italy, and the UK also utilizing the system. Notably, in a display of international military cooperation, Sweden recently announced plans to donate five Arthur radar units to Ukraine as part of its ongoing support amid the ongoing conflict. This move highlights the strategic importance of artillery locating systems in contemporary warfare and the shared commitment among NATO allies to enhance defensive capabilities.
