Saab Inc., the US-based arm of Saab, has received a roughly $24 million contract modification from the US Army to supply 10 Giraffe 1X radar systems to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The radar is designed to detect a wide range of threats, including drones, missiles, and low-altitude aircraft, and is part of broader efforts to enhance air defense capabilities among NATO allies along the eastern flank. The modification increases the overall contract value to about $70 million, with work to be carried out in East Syracuse, New York, and completion expected by February 2027.
Latvia has already deployed the Giraffe 1X system, while Lithuania has incorporated it into its MSHORAD network. Estonia will receive its first systems under this agreement.
Following the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, Baltic countries have accelerated efforts to address gaps in short-range air defense, including the deployment of advanced radar systems like the Giraffe 1X.
The system features a 3D AESA radar capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously and distinguishing between threats and non-threats. Weighing less than 150 kilograms, it is designed for rapid deployment and flexible integration, with mounting options on vehicles, masts, or tripods. Operating in the X-band, it provides high-resolution 360-degree surveillance with a detection range of up to 75 kilometers.
