Saab Wins Giraffe 1X Radar Contract for Baltic States
- Army has awarded a contract modification valued at approximately $23.9 million to Saab Inc.
- The modification, identified as P00006 to contract W31P4Q-25-C-0037, was awarded to Saab Inc., based in East Syracuse, New York.
- The delivery of these radar systems is intended to build partner capacity and strengthen air defense capabilities for the Baltic states located on the eastern flank of the...
The U.S. Army has awarded a contract modification valued at approximately $23.9 million to Saab Inc. For the procurement and delivery of 10 Giraffe 1X multi-function radar systems to the Baltic nations of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The modification, identified as P00006 to contract W31P4Q-25-C-0037, was awarded to Saab Inc., based in East Syracuse, New York. According to contract records, the specific value of the modification is $23,877,200, which increases the total cumulative face value of the broader contract to $70,081,820.
The delivery of these radar systems is intended to build partner capacity and strengthen air defense capabilities for the Baltic states located on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Work on the contract will be performed in East Syracuse, New York, with an estimated completion date of February 28, 2027.
Strategic Regional Integration
The deployment of the Giraffe 1X systems is part of a broader effort by Baltic states to close gaps in short-range air defense following the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. The systems are designed to enhance the detection of and response to various aerial threats, including missiles, drones, and low-flying aircraft.
The three recipient nations are integrating the technology into their defense networks at different stages. Latvia already operates the Giraffe 1X system, and Lithuania has integrated the radar into its MSHORAD (Medium-Short Range Air Defense) network. Under the terms of the latest U.S. Army deal, Estonia is set to receive its first units of the system.
Funding for the procurement was sourced from U.S. Military assistance programs for allied nations. The current agreement represents an exercised option from a larger agreement that was originally concluded in October 2025.
Technical Capabilities of the Giraffe 1X
The Giraffe 1X is a 3D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar designed for high flexibility and rapid deployment. Operating in the X-band, the system provides 360-degree surveillance with a detection range of approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles).
The system is characterized by its compact size and light weight, weighing less than 150 kilograms (330 pounds). This allows the radar to be integrated into a variety of operational environments and platforms, including:
- Installation on a wide range of light vehicles
- Mounting on a tripod
- Deployment on a mast
- Integration into both land-based and maritime air defense platforms
Technologically, the radar is capable of rapidly scanning and tracking multiple targets simultaneously while filtering out non-threatening objects to reduce clutter and improve operator efficiency.
Contractual and Administrative Details
The contracting activity for this award was managed by the Army Contracting Command, located at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Full funding for the $23.87 million modification was obligated at the time of the award.
The increased demand for the Giraffe 1X on international markets reflects a trend toward adaptable radar systems that can be incorporated into integrated defense networks. The system’s ability to be quickly deployed by small units makes it a primary choice for nations seeking to modernize their naval and air defense capabilities.