The US Army has awarded Saab a contract to provide Giraffe 1X radars in support of providing counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities to its security co-operation partners, Saab announced on 28 October 2025.
The order, which is valued at around USD 46 million (EUR 39.4 million), was booked in the third quarter of 2025, with deliveries of Giraffe 1X systems starting in 2026.
“Saab’s Giraffe 1X radars bring the US Army a combat-proven capability that can be rapidly deployed to meet the growing spectrum of global threats, including unmanned aerial systems,” Erik Smith, head of Saab’s US business, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “What sets Giraffe 1X apart is its ability to combine advanced counter-UAS performance, at extended ranges, within a compact, mobile design that commanders can trust in any environment. With continuous, real-time air surveillance, Giraffe 1X equips the US and its security co-operation partners with a decisive operational advantage, ensuring they can stay ahead of emerging challenges.”
As a small, lightweight 3D radar, the Giraffe 1X can be used as a mobile, deployable or fixed asset that can be integrated into both ground and naval platforms. With a multi-mission capability that spans force protection, ground-based air defence (including the C-UAS role) and sea surface surveillance, the Giraffe 1X “is the first radar of its kind, delivering unmatched operational flexibility to commanders”, according to Saab.
With a total system weight of less than 150 kg and a very low power consumption, the Giraffe 1X can be transported on a pickup truck-sized vehicle, by helicopter or towed on a trailer as a mobile solution or be permanently installed on a building or mast as a fixed asset.
According to Saab, the system can detect an unmanned aerial vehicle lighter than a milk carton out to a range of 4 km.
