DSEI 2023: Saab debuts deployable variant of Giraffe 1X radar

The deployable variant of Saab's Giraffe 1X radar displayed at DSEI 2023, which has been acquired by the UK military. (Janes/Olivia Savage)

Saab has launched a deployable variant of its Giraffe 1X 3D radar at DSEI 2023, held from 12 to 15 September in London.

Known as the Deployable Set, the new configuration is designed as a compact, robust, and highly deployable radar that can be easily transported and quickly set up.

A key difference with the deployable variant is its ability to operate on the move when deployed on naval vessels or land vehicles, while maintaining the same radar performance as the original system, Fredrik Sämfors, head of Giraffe 1X radar solutions told Janes .

In total, the Deployable Set weighs 400 kg and requires 2 kW of power, he added.

The UK has already acquired the radar, although he was unable to detail the number of units procured.

Giraffe 1X is a small, 3D, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar operating in X-band (8–12 GHz), which is intended for short-range surveillance and ground-based air defence (GBAD). The radar monitors the air volume 360° for air targets and simultaneously locates and warns against incoming rocket, artillery, and mortar rounds. It has a 75 km range and can function as a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) as well as an automatic weapon location and impact location solution.

The sensor operates with an elevation greater than 70° and can be integrated into most mobile platforms, fixed structures, or command-and-control (C2) systems.

To support development of the Giraffe 1X Deployable Set radar and expand its operations in the UK, the company has opened a new radar production site in Fareham, UK. The first units of the deployable radar are in production at the site, the company detailed.