Stockholm, September 5, 2025 – Swedish defense company Saab has received a major order for its Giraffe 4A radar systems and associated services from a country in Latin America, with the contract valued at approximately SEK 550 million (around USD 58 million).
This marks the first-ever land-based Giraffe 4A contract in Latin America, representing a breakthrough for Saab’s presence in the region.
“We are proud to announce the first contract of the land-based Giraffe 4A to Latin America. This milestone marks a significant step in expanding our presence in the region with advanced medium-range radar. This capability will provide our customer with state-of-the-art air surveillance capability,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area.
Key Highlights of the Deal
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Enhanced Surveillance: The Giraffe 4A is a mobile, self-contained digital radar that strengthens land-based air surveillance and is capable of receiving software-based upgrades to remain adaptable to future threats.
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Multi-Functional Capability: The radar can detect, identify, and track multiple airborne and maritime objects simultaneously, making it suitable for both air defense and coastal security.
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Strategic Expansion: The deal not only enhances the buyer’s defense capabilities but also signals Saab’s growing footprint in Latin America’s defense market.
Giraffe 4A Radar – Technical Specifications
The Giraffe 4A is part of Saab’s renowned Giraffe radar family and is designed to combine air surveillance with counter-battery and weapon-locating roles.
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Radar Type: 3D AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar
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Detection Range: Up to 280 km (for fighter-sized targets)
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Altitude Coverage: Up to 100,000 feet
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Mobility: Fully mobile and transportable by C-130 aircraft, deployable in less than 10 minutes
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Functions: Simultaneous air target detection, missile tracking, artillery and rocket locating, UAV detection
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Crew Requirement: Operable by as few as two personnel
Regional & Strategic Impact
The acquisition highlights Latin America’s growing investment in modern air defense and surveillance systems, driven by evolving regional security challenges. For Saab, this contract represents both a technological showcase and a gateway for future deals in emerging markets, including further potential in Africa and Asia.
With its modular design and software-based adaptability, the Giraffe 4A is expected to serve not only as a powerful surveillance tool but also as a long-term solution, ensuring the customer benefits from future upgrades and support services.
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