U.S. Air Force Orders Giraffe 4A Radars for European Bases

9 December, 2024 Giraffe 4A radar. Photo credits: SAAB The Swedish company Saab has received an order to supply Giraffe 4A radars for U.S.

Air Force air bases in Europe. According to the company's press release, the contract was signed with BAE Systems and is worth about £48 million. The exact number of radars ordered has not been disclosed, but the company says that deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027.

"Giraffe 4A is a multi-function radar that provides users a range of surveillance capabilities in support of comprehensive air defense," says Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S.

Giraffe 4A radar

Giraffe 4A is a radar developed by the Swedish company Saab, which combines the capabilities of the Arthur and Giraffe AMB radars. The station is based on the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) technology.

This technology ensures the radar's operation in all weather conditions and allows it to detect targets of various sizes at a wide range of speeds, including supersonic speeds. The Giraffe 4A can be deployed in both fixed and mobile configurations, both of which support remote control.

The target detection range is 400 kilometers and the circular scanning speed is one second. In addition, the station is capable of detecting artillery ammunition and can be used for counter-battery warfare.

Saab plant in the US

In September, it was reported that Saab would build a new infantry weapons plant in Grayling, Michigan, USA. Construction is scheduled to begin in Q4 2024 and production in early 2026.

The plant is expected to employ a total of 70 people.

The announcement does not specify which systems will be produced at this new facility.

But among the products offered by Saab, the AT4, Carl-Gustaf grenade launchers and the promising XM919 grenade launcher fall under the description of "shoulder-fired ammunition." The NLAW ATGM also fits this description.