The delivery comes just five months after the country received its penultimate GlobalEye aircraft at the Al Dhafra Air Base in Abu Dhabi.

According to Saab business area head for surveillance Carl-Johan Bergholm, completing the delivery in under 10 years underscores the company’s position as a “leading provider” of AEW&C platforms.

Deliveries of the GlobalEye to the UAE began in 2020 after five years of production and flight testing.

‘Multi-Domain Platform’

Saab is pitching its GlobalEye as an “advanced, multi-domain solution” capable of long-range threat detection and identification.

It features active and passive sensors that provide real-time information to units on the ground, at sea, or in the air.

The aircraft can operate for up to 11 hours at 35,000 feet (10,668 meters) while detecting threats as low as 200 feet (61 meters).

Its primary goal is to enhance the situational awareness of military units in high-threat environments.

Currently, the UAE Air Force is the only confirmed operator of the AEW&C aircraft.

Sweden has placed an order for three aircraft, with deliveries expected between 2024 and 2029.

The post Saab Concludes GlobalEye Early Warning Aircraft Deliveries to UAE appeared first on The Defense Post.

The Taipan radar was accepted by the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery on June 28 at Larkhill Camp. 

It “offers the British Army rapid deployment and redeployment, high operational mobility, and precise counter-battery operations, locating an increased number of targets at greater range with reduced electronic warfare signatures, leveraging Saab’s Digital Antenna technology,” the company explained.

Mamba’s Replacement  

The Taipan is the intended replacement of Saab’s Mamba, which has been in service with the British Army since 2003.

In 2020, Saab upgraded the Mamba in 2020 under a 46-million-pound ($60 million) contract, extending its service life until 2026.

It is capable of locating artillery projectiles, rockets, and mortars from a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles).

The Mamba features an active electronically scanned array to track incoming threats in three dimensions and is capable of handling more than 100 targets.

Project Serpens

The UK Ministry of Defence launched project Serpens in 2018 to replace a trio of weapon locating radars operable with the British Army: the Hostile Artillery Locating system, the AN/TPQ-49 lightweight counter-mortar radar, and the Mamba.

The project’s in-service date is 2026 with a retirement date of 2057. 

Like the Mamba, the other radars are completing their service in 2026.

“The team at Saab looks forward to continuing our support for the UK as it becomes the first user of the new Arthur current generation and next generation systems,” Group Managing Director Andy Fraser said.

Lt. Gen. Sir Andrew Gregory added: “Saab is our key partner for both Mamba and now Taipan and what it as a company has and continues to deliver to our Armed Forces is hugely impressive.”

“Mamba has more than proved its worth and Taipan is a step change in capability.” 

The post British Army Receives Next-Gen Weapon Locating Radars From Saab appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal includes the delivery of associated command and control systems, as well as radar integration into one of the country’s Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) solutions.

The radars will also be mounted on Sisu GTP 4×4 armored vehicles for added mobility.

Saab surveillance business area head Carl-Johan Bergholm described the Giraffe 1X as a “versatile” system poised to bolster Sweden’s ground-based air defense capabilities.

It will help protect Swedish forces by accurately detecting and identifying a range of threats.

“I am proud that Sweden chooses to integrate our versatile surface radar Giraffe 1X as a part of its ground-based air defense,” he said.

360-Degree Coverage

The Giraffe 1X is a lightweight, high-performing 3D radar ideal for continuous aerial surveillance.

Weighing less than 150 kilograms (330 pounds), it can function as a mobile, deployable, or fixed asset.

The radar provides 360-degree coverage and can reportedly detect threats as small as a milk carton from up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away.

It also offers quality target data for effective engagement of hostile aircraft, drones, missiles, and mortars.

Saab said its Giraffe 1X comes with continuous software upgrades to recognize and counter new types of threats.

The post Sweden Buys Giraffe 1X Surface Radar From Saab appeared first on The Defense Post.

According to the US Department of Defense, the Swedish company’s proposal bested two others, but it did not reveal the names of the losing firms.

Several reports indicate that General Dynamics and Norwegian-Finnish defense conglomerate Nammo also submitted bids.

Saab is expected to complete the work for the contract by August 2029.

Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition (JPEO A&A) describes the XM919 IAM as a shoulder-launched munition capable of penetrating light armored assets, bunkers, triple brick walls, and double reinforced concrete.

It also has an operational strike range of up to 200 meters (656 feet).

Expertise in Shoulder-Fired Weapons

Saab is expected to leverage its experience in shoulder-fired anti-armor weapons in producing the XM919.

Its famous Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle – a man-portable weapon that allows dismounted soldiers to attack hostile tanks and other battlefield threats – has been sold to more than 40 countries.

It also manufactured the NLAW (Next-Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon) “capable of eliminating even the most advanced tanks.”

However, according to a report by The War Zone, Saab actually pitched its AT-4 Confined Space Tandem Warhead (AT4CS TW) as the army’s XM919 IAM.

Its two-staged warhead reportedly provides a better chance of breaking through enemy assets with add-on protection and multi-layered defenses.

It is also designed to fire from narrow positions or confined spaces without risking the safety of nearby personnel.

The post Saab Clinches $494M Deal to Supply Assault Munitions to US Army appeared first on The Defense Post.

Called “Stella,” the study is inspired by a statement from a former Ukrainian space agency official who said a responsive satellite launch capability with an aircraft would have been useful in preparing for an enemy attack.

According to Swedish Air Force – Space Division head Col. Ella Carlsson, a university in Stockholm has already looked into whether the proposed capability is feasible.

Initial findings suggest that an air-launched rocket could enable satellites weighing 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) to be launched into Low Earth Orbit.

Now, Carlsson said the focus is on how a rocket could be safely fitted to the Gripen aircraft, with consideration for ground clearance.

“They are making calculations,” she said on the eve of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. “But if we need to rebuild the aircraft [to fit the rocket], we won’t do it.”

‘No Guarantee’

The idea of launching small satellites from fighter jets is not new, as the Italian Air Force undertook a similar study in 2019 using the Eurofighter Typhoon.

With extensive experience in developing satellites and launch vehicles, the initiative was envisaged to help Rome launch military satellites from its own territory.

However, little is known about the results of the Italian study.

With the apparent failure of the first European study, Gripen manufacturer Saab cautioned that there is no guarantee the effort will lead to operational capability.

“As regards the specifics of the Stella study and its intended purpose, we will not prejudge the feasibility nor outcome,” a spokesperson told Breaking Defense.

The post Sweden’s Gripen Fighter Jet Could Soon Launch Satellites appeared first on The Defense Post.

The company said that it will deliver its RBS 70 NG solution to the Lithuanian Armed Forces to fill the country’s mobile short-range air defense (MSHORAD) needs.

It will also ship mobile firing units, mobile radar units, and a command-and-control system as part of the agreement.

The Swedish company said it will integrate the MSHORAD solution into Oshkosh Defense’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle prior to delivery.

“We are proud to continue to support the air defense of Lithuania,” company official Görgen Johansson said. “Saab’s wide expertise makes us able to deliver everything from radar and firing units as well as our command-and-control system.”

Vilnius can expect deliveries to take place between 2025 and 2027.

‘Response to New Threats’

The RBS 70 NG is a man-portable, highly accurate solution that protects soldiers and critical infrastructure against enemy aircraft such as drones.

Its manufacturer dubbed it a “see everything, miss nothing” system, thanks to its sight that reportedly provides enhanced efficiency and flexibility.

The air defense system has an effective range of more than 9,000 meters (29,527 feet) and can be deployed in just 45 seconds.

It also now utilizes Bolide laser-guided, jam-resistant missiles for improved efficiency.

With its modular design, the RBS 70 NG can be integrated into various vehicles and support various missions.

“MSHORAD is our response to the new threats on the battlefield. It is an extremely necessary system that will significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” Johansson said.

The post Saab Clinches $123M Air Defense Contract From Lithuania appeared first on The Defense Post.

The boats will be based on the company’s CB90 fast assault craft, currently in service with the Swedish Navy.

Work on the contract will begin this year at Saab’s Docksta shipyard, with deliveries expected “over the coming years.”

According to company official Mats Wicksell, the advanced combat vessels will support a variety of missions, including maritime patrol and countering surface threats.

“We are proud that Saab’s naval capabilities continue to contribute to Sweden’s defense,” he said.

Earlier this year, Saab announced a collaborative agreement with Babcock to develop another class of surface combatants for the Swedish Navy.

About the CB90

Information about the new combat boat is scarce, but the CB90 it will be based on is known for its speed, agility, and versatility.

It can transport up to 21 fully-equipped troops, or half of an amphibious infantry platoon.

Powered by two diesel engines, the lightweight craft can reach 40 knots (74 kilometers/46 miles per hour) in shallow coastal waters.

Its operational range is listed at 240 nautical miles (276 miles/444 kilometers).

The new combat boats under order will include lightweight polyethylene lining for enhanced ballistic protection, similar to that on the CB90.

Weapons options will include Browning M2HB machine guns, Mk19 grenade launchers, and various naval mines.

The post Saab Secures $38M Next-Gen Combat Boat Contract From Sweden appeared first on The Defense Post.

The deal is part of an option included in Saab’s contract with the country signed in 2022, detailing the order of two GlobalEye planes.

Production of the new aircraft is scheduled to run from 2024 to 2029.

“We are proud to contribute to Sweden’s defence with another GlobalEye aircraft, which will provide unique situational awareness of the surroundings as well the capability of early detection and warning of potential threats in the air, at sea or on land,” Saab President and CEO Micael Johansson shared.

Sweden’s first two GlobalEyes are currently being developed at Saab’s Gothenburg, Linköping, Järfälla, Arboga, and Luleå facilities.

Observing the Skies

The GlobalEye is fitted with long-range active and passive sensors, allowing it to identify objects in the air at distances exceeding 285 miles (458 kilometers).

Its Erieye extended-range radar expands its detection distance and helps it work in severe clutter and jamming conditions, while its AESA radar focuses on areas and targets of interest.

Its only current user is the UAE, which operates four of the surveillance craft. The latest was handed over by Saab in April. Canada, France, and Greece are currently in talks to integrate the GlobalEye into their forces.

The post Sweden Orders Third GlobalEye Surveillance Aircraft From Saab appeared first on The Defense Post.

Designed to enhance operational flexibility and mobility, the new addition to the Giraffe 1X system features an antenna that folds down into the lightweight radar at the press of a button.

It boasts a small footprint and a search area of up to 75 kilometers (46.6 miles).

According to the Swedish company, the compact module provides an all-in-one radar solution in diverse operational environments.

It is best suited for urgent missions in areas where operational infrastructure is limited.

“The Compact Radar Module is the latest example of how we are leveraging the capabilities of the Giraffe 1X radar, giving customers a number of different ways to deploy Giraffe 1X wherever and however it can maximize their operational effectiveness,” Saab official Carl-Johan Bergholm said.

‘One Operational Item’

Saab’s Giraffe 1X is a high-performing 3D radar that provides effective ground-based air defense.

It can detect hostile drones and incoming missiles, and provide commanders with engagement quality target data.

Weighing less than 150 kilograms (330 pounds), the radar can be integrated into any type of mobile platform or fixed structure.

The company said the Giraffe 1X radar and the Compact Radar Module can now be delivered as one operational item to support a variety of missions.

The post Saab Introduces Giraffe 1X Compact Radar Module appeared first on The Defense Post.

Saab, Anduril Industries, Bollinger Shipyards, Teledyne FLIR, and General Atomics headline the list of chosen contractors.

Marinette Marine Corp., Honeywell International, Leonardo Electronics, and Microsoft are also contract recipients.

According to a Pentagon announcement, the companies will deliver payloads, non-payload sensors, mission support systems, and autonomy and vehicle control systems for the naval drones.

Each of them will be guaranteed a minimum of $1,000 to begin the work for the contract.

The Pentagon expects all work to be completed by February 2025, with a possible extension to 2030.

Need for More Investments

Last month, defense officials told Reuters that the US Navy’s efforts to build a fleet of unmanned vessels are faltering because it remains wedded to big shipbuilding programs.

The proliferation of USVs in the Black Sea amid the Ukraine war is reportedly an indication that sea drone warfare has arrived.

The service’s program lead on drones, Rear Adm. Kevin Smith, had the same stance, saying the navy must move its unmanned systems beyond just surveillance roles to be able to carry out more consequential missions.

“I’m confident that the future of our Navy is going to be a mix of conventionally manned platforms with unmanned and autonomous platforms all teamed together,” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti told Defense News.

The post US Awards $984M Naval Drone Contract to 49 Firms appeared first on The Defense Post.