Swedish defense firm Saab has inaugurated a new production line for its Giraffe 1X short-range air surveillance radar at its advanced facility in Fareham, Southeast England. Opened by UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, the site will also support UK military radar systems and Saab’s Seaeye underwater robotics. Saab has begun manufacturing the 3D AESA radar without confirmed UK or export orders, anticipating increased demand. The UK previously ordered 11 Giraffe 1X systems in 2023 under a 264 million SEK ($25.6 million) contract, with production originally based in Sweden. Saab CEO Michael Johansson emphasized the radar’s deployment in Ukraine and the importance of regionalized supply chains, with potential future orders influenced by the UK’s upcoming Strategic Defense Review.
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