Saab delivers Giraffe 1X radars to UK for counter-drone defence
Saab UK has delivered Giraffe 1X radar systems to the Royal Air Force. The delivery strengthens the UK's ability to protect against the evolving uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) threat.
The procurement responds directly to an operational requirement and follows extensive collaboration between the RAF and Saab, building on capability enhancements and operational experience developed over recent years. The long-standing relationship has enabled both organisations to rapidly deliver an effective capability against a growing counter-UAS demand.
In response to an urgent operational demand, the delivery of the Giraffe 1X radars demonstrates Saab's ability to mobilise its global enterprise at short notice while leveraging its strong UK manufacturing and support capabilities to accelerate delivery.
Andy Fraser, Group Managing Director at Saab UK, said:
“This delivery showcases the dedication and expertise of teams across Saab, from our UK manufacturing operations through to colleagues across the wider business, who worked together to support delivery of this capability. It demonstrates the strength of Saab's industrial footprint in the UK and our ability to bring together the right resources to support our customers' requirements. We are proud to provide British and coalition forces with the capabilities they need to carry out their mission and to keep people and society safe.”
A spokesperson from the Royal Air Force, said:
“As the customer, we have been impressed with how Saab were able to mobilise their global production capacity to rapidly satisfy our Giraffe 1X requirement in support of Counter Drone operations on deployed operations. This equipment is critical in mitigating the risk to life posed by the drone threat. Saab gave delivery quickly and innovatively, working with the MOD team to satisfy this contract.”
The Giraffe 1X radar systems have become part of the RAF's wider counter-drone architecture, supporting the detection, tracking and engagement of airborne threats. The capability complements the RAF Regiment's ongoing role in delivering counter-UAS protection for UK and coalition forces, including operations across the Middle East where specialist teams continue to defend personnel and facilities against drone threats.
The delivery reinforces the UK's investment in advanced force protection capabilities and demonstrates how industry and the military can work together to rapidly meet emerging operational challenges.
