One year of delivery: Strengthening UK capability at the Fareham Campus
On 4th February 2025, Saab UK opened the doors to its new Fareham Campus. The vision set out at its launch was straightforward: to strengthen the UK’s sovereign capability in radar and underwater robotics, to create skilled jobs in the region, and to provide dependable support to defence and security partners at home and overseas.
One year on, Fareham has lived up to the commitments made on opening day. Through disciplined delivery, transparent progress, and measurable results, the site has moved from ambition to reality.
Sensor Systems – Building trusted capability
Over the past year, the Fareham Campus has strengthened the UK’s radar capability through the production of Giraffe 1X and the continued support of in‑service systems such as Giraffe AMB. As a centre of radar excellence, the site brings together engineering expertise and consistent delivery to ensure these radars remain dependable assets for the armed forces who rely on them for accurate, timely situational awareness.
From manufacturing new systems to sustaining those already in operation, the team’s focus has remained clear: reliable performance, transparent processes, and a commitment to advanced technologies.
Underwater robotics with proven performance
The Fareham Campus has also marked a year of progress across its Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio. Production has continued into the global fleet of more than 600 Seaeye Falcon vehicles – a system trusted for its reliability and long‑established track record in some of the most challenging subsea environments. Falcon’s role in protecting offshore personnel, critical infrastructure and sensitive marine areas remains central, and the campus has supported that mission with consistent high‑quality delivery.
This work has been matched by the successful delivery of systems such as Seaeye eM1-7 electric manipulator, drawing on the depth of engineering expertise that defines the Seaeye portfolio. Alongside this, the all‑electric Seaeye SR20 has continued its progression as the next generation of work‑class capability. Engineered with Saab’s drive, expertise and trusted innovation, SR20 represents a subsea system designed with unwavering commitment to customers and the demanding missions they undertake.
Together, these achievements reflect a year of purposeful delivery across Seaeye – reinforcing proven platforms, progressing new capability, and contributing to innovative technologies.
Highlighting our people and talent
People have been central to the Fareham Campus from the start. The commitment made in 2025 – to create up to 400 skilled jobs, develop local talent and invest in long‑term capability – has been delivered, with the site growing steadily and strengthening the region’s engineering base.
This approach has been reinforced through the launch of Saab UK’s first Graduate Engineering Programme, giving new engineers hands‑on experience across Sensor Systems and Seaeye.
Apprenticeships have also played an important role. Masuma Ismael’s journey is a clear example, progressing from apprentice to Associate Software Engineer and even discussing the value of apprenticeships with the Prime Minister at Number 10. Her experience reflects the ambition of the campus: creating meaningful pathways into engineering and building the next generation of capability for the UK.
Memorable moments of the year
The year included a visit from the Swedish and British Ambassadors, highlighting the strength of the UK–Sweden partnership and the role Fareham plays in supporting shared defence priorities and sovereign capability.
Seaeye Lynx also delivered a standout achievement through its work on the survey of the 18th‑century galleon San José. Operated by the Colombian Navy, Lynx carried out multiple deep‑sea missions at around 600 metres depth, capturing high‑resolution imagery, 3D photogrammetry and recovering artefacts including a cannon, gold coins and porcelain cups. The project demonstrated how proven Saab technology can support complex archaeological work and the protection of underwater cultural heritage.
Sabertooth added to these achievements through its role in the first‑ever 3D mapping of Shackleton’s Endurance, exhibited at Goodwood Future Lab. Its ability to operate in extreme conditions showed how advanced subsea autonomy can reach environments once considered inaccessible, contributing to wider scientific and historical understanding.
Looking ahead
As the Fareham Campus enters its second year, the focus remains clear. Saab will continue to strengthen the technologies, people and industrial capability that help keep the people and society safe.
The foundations built in the first year will guide the work ahead as the campus grows, supports new programmes and delivers capability with the same consistency and purpose that have defined its first twelve months.