U.S. Army Awards Saab $46M Contract for Giraffe 1X Radars Enhancing Global Air Defense

Swedish defense company Saab is advancing on two major fronts: developing a new 6th-generation stealth fighter jet and supplying advanced radar systems to the U.S. Army. The new fighter jet project, funded by a $276 million contract from the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration, aims to create a versatile, potentially manned or unmanned stealth aircraft featuring a tailless design for reduced radar signature, with capabilities possibly resembling the US Air Force's drone-operating "Family of Systems" approach. Meanwhile, Saab secured a $46 million contract from the U.S. Army for its Giraffe 1X short-range 3D radar systems, with deliveries starting in 2026. These compact, mobile radars enhance air defense and counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) capabilities, offering real-time air surveillance and suitability for deployment across land, sea, and multiple mission environments. The Giraffe 1X system is noted for its lightweight design, rapid refresh rate, and ability to detect very small UAVs, providing operational advantages to U.S. and allied forces. Saab's radar order reflects rising global demand for advanced air defense technologies amid increasing military spending.