The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration has made significant strides in enhancing the country’s military capabilities by placing an order with Saab for advanced sensors and a command-and-control system specifically for brigade-level ground-based air defense. This comprehensive package, valued at 2.1 billion kronor (approximately $220 million), encompasses several key components essential for modern military operations.
Included in the order is the Giraffe 1X radar system, renowned for its 360-degree surveillance capabilities. This sophisticated radar can detect smaller threats, such as drones, from a distance of up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying potential aerial threats. The system’s lightweight design—under 150 kilograms (330 pounds)—allows for flexible deployment, whether in a mobile, deployable, or fixed configuration.
In addition to the radar, the order features the LSS Lv C2 system, which plays a crucial role in managing air defense operations. This system is designed to seamlessly coordinate target engagement, facilitate the sharing of threat information, and support tactical planning and assessment, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of Swedish forces.
To further augment the army’s capabilities, Saab will also conduct an integration study aimed at incorporating its AMB radar into the brigade’s air defense system. This radar is intended for medium-range detection and will enhance the overall situational awareness against both aircraft and drones.
Deliveries of the new systems are anticipated between 2027 and 2028, which aligns strategically with Sweden’s broader defense objectives. The initiative plays into Stockholm’s plan to significantly increase its defense spending, with an ambitious target to raise expenditures from 2.4% to 3.5% of GDP by 2030, a move largely influenced by the ongoing geopolitical tensions arising from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Carl-Johan Bergholm, the head of Saab’s business area Surveillance, expressed pride in contributing to the enhancement of Sweden’s ground-based air defense capabilities. This collaboration underscores Saab’s commitment to supporting national security and responding to evolving military challenges.
As nations around the world reassess their defense strategies in light of recent global conflicts, Sweden’s proactive investments and upgrades reflect a growing trend of prioritizing military readiness and technological advancement in air defense systems.
