Saab Unveils Arthur Mod D Development Roadmap at FEINDEF 2025 for Modern Battlefield Surveillance

At FEINDEF 2025, Saab showcased the future of its renowned Arthur (Artillery Hunting Radar) system, presenting an updated development roadmap for the fully digitised Arthur Model D. As artillery warfare once again dominates modern battlefields — notably witnessed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict — counter-battery capabilities like the Arthur radar have become essential for modern militaries.

Why Counter-Battery Radars Matter Today

In conflicts like the ongoing war in Ukraine, artillery, mortars, and rocket systems are responsible for up to 80% of battlefield casualties. With drones now being used for target spotting and fire correction, the need to rapidly detect and locate incoming indirect fire has never been more urgent.

To give context, since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, Russia has fired between 30,000 to 50,000 artillery rounds per day, a staggering number that highlights how crucial it is to locate enemy artillery positions quickly for immediate retaliation. Without such systems, forces risk devastating losses and a weakened defensive capability.

The Evolution of Arthur: From Mod C to Mod D

The original Arthur system was designed by Saab in the late 1980s and delivered in the early 1990s. It was one of the first lightweight, mobile Weapon Locating Systems (WLS) of its kind. Over the decades, Saab continuously upgraded the system, resulting in the advanced Arthur Mod D.

The transition from Mod C’s travelling wave tube (TWT) technology to Mod D’s active phased array radar, using Gallium Nitride (GaN) transmit/receive modules, represents a major leap. Not only does this make the radar system lighter and more compact, but it also enters the realm of software-defined radars, allowing for continuous updates and adaptability on the digital battlefield.

Key Features and Specifications of Arthur Mod D

• Antenna Type: Active Phased Array

• Radar Modules: Gallium Nitride (GaN) T/R modules

• Mobility: Containerised configuration (10-foot and 12-foot versions), vehicle-agnostic

• Mass: Less than 1,400 kg (without power supply and communication systems)

• Detection Range:

  • 300 mm rockets: Over 60 km

  • 122 mm rockets & 120 mm mortars: Over 50 km

  • 152 mm artillery shells: Over 30 km (all with 90% detection probability)

• Accuracy:

  • Mortar tubes: CEP of 0.15% of range

  • Howitzers and rocket launchers: CEP of 0.20% of range

• Control: Remote-operated via laptop-based consoles

• Deployment: Capable of rapid relocation to avoid detection and targeting

The British Army’s 5th Regiment Royal Artillery is the first user of Arthur Mod D, which they have nicknamed Taipan. These radars replaced the older Arthur Mod B (Mamba) systems delivered back in 2005.

Adaptability and Manoeuvre on the Battlefield

Modern warfare demands not only precision but also survivability. Weapon locating radars like Arthur are prime targets for enemy forces and electronic warfare systems. The Arthur Mod D’s agility allows it to transmit briefly and relocate rapidly, following a "radar manoeuvre" doctrine similar to infantry movement tactics.

For maximum effectiveness, operational doctrine recommends deploying three radars simultaneously to maintain continuous coverage while each alternates between scanning and relocating. This ensures reliable detection while reducing the risk of being targeted.

Additionally, the radar’s static antenna design and compatibility with multispectral camouflage help lower its visual and thermal signatures, essential for evading detection by drones equipped with thermal imaging.

Arthur’s Future: Saab’s Roadmap

At FEINDEF 2025, Saab highlighted its clear roadmap for Arthur Mod D’s future. Key upgrades planned include:

• Over 50% increase in detection range, primarily achieved through software enhancements

• Power Save Mode to reduce energy consumption and minimise the radar’s acoustic and thermal signatures

• Continuous software-defined capability updates based on lessons from recent conflicts, particularly in Ukraine

Saab’s R&D division remains focused on integrating battlefield feedback quickly, ensuring Arthur stays relevant in fast-evolving combat environments.

Global Adoption of Arthur

Arthur radars are currently in service with multiple NATO nations and other global militaries, including:

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Greece

• Italy

• Sweden

• Spain

• United Kingdom

• South Korea

Several other non-disclosed nations also rely on the Arthur system for their counter-battery operations.

Conclusion

As artillery reclaims a dominant role in modern warfare, advanced counter-battery systems like the Arthur Mod D are indispensable. Saab’s clear commitment to digital upgrades, software flexibility, and battlefield survivability ensures that Arthur will continue to protect forces and enable effective retaliatory strikes for years to come.

The Arthur Mod D is not just a radar — it’s a dynamic, modern battlefield sensor designed for a new era of warfare, where information speed and system mobility are as important as raw firepower.