Saab has announced a significant contract to equip the new frigate for the Colombian Navy with a suite of advanced management systems, sensors, and radars, marking a substantial step forward in Colombia’s naval capabilities. The deal encompasses the provision of the 9LV Combat Management System and the 9LV Fire Control System, which are crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency of the country’s Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie frigate program.
As part of this collaboration, Saab will deliver a diverse range of advanced radar systems, including the Ceros 200 radar, the EOS 500 electro-optical fire control director, and the Sea Giraffe 4A radars. These cutting-edge technologies will significantly boost the frigate’s surveillance and defense operations.
The frigate is to be constructed by Colombian shipbuilder COTECMAR, with engineering, technical support, and essential shipbuilding materials supplied by Damen Naval. The vessel is anticipated to be completed and delivered by the year 2030.
The 9LV Fire Control System (FCS) plays a pivotal role in this partnership, designed to enhance the frigate’s capabilities in detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple targets simultaneously. This advanced system not only optimizes the use of weapons and sensors against incoming threats but also reduces the operational workload for naval operators. The FCS features a Surface Defence Coordination system that provides robust responses against direct attacks from high-speed surface craft. Furthermore, it supports both anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare mission planning and execution, and is compatible with various surface-to-surface missiles, including Saab’s lightweight and heavyweight torpedoes.
Saab’s commitment to expanding its maritime defense portfolio is evident through a series of recent contracts and innovations that focus on enhancing coastal surveillance and naval threat detection. In February, Saab introduced the Coast Control Radar at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference in the United Arab Emirates. This system is tailored to bolster the security of territorial waters and maritime traffic, featuring a compact, modular design that can be integrated into diverse infrastructures such as buildings, towers, and bridges.
Additionally, in December 2024, Sweden awarded Saab a contract to provide the Sea Giraffe 1X radar system, designed to enhance the detection capabilities against surface and air threats, including sea-skimming missiles. These developments underscore Saab’s strategic push to solidify its standing as a leader in maritime defense systems.
