Saab to Launch New Tampere Facility for Sirius Compact Sensors

Swedish defence giant Saab has announced plans to establish a new production facility in Tampere, Finland, dedicated to the manufacturing of its Sirius Compact passive electronic warfare (EW) sensors. This move underscores Saab's commitment to addressing the increasing global demand for sophisticated defence technologies. The facility, which is expected to be operational by early 2025, will focus on the volume production of the highly advanced Sirius Compact sensor system.

Sirius Compact: Cutting-Edge Capabilities in Electronic Warfare

Unveiled in 2022, the Sirius Compact has rapidly become a critical tool for defence forces worldwide. Designed and manufactured in Finland, this sensor system excels in detecting, geo-locating, classifying, and prioritising radar and communication emitters used by adversaries. Its compact, lightweight design makes it highly adaptable, enabling seamless integration across land, air, and naval platforms.

Key specifications of the Sirius Compact include:

• Frequency Coverage: Wideband capability to monitor multiple frequency ranges.
• Detection Range: Long-range performance for identifying emitters in complex environments.
• Mobility: Lightweight, modular design suitable for fixed, mobile, or platform-based applications.
• Power Efficiency: Low power consumption, ensuring operational reliability in field conditions.
• Interoperability: Seamless integration with existing electronic support measures (ESM) systems.

Saab is also enhancing the Sirius Compact with sensor network capabilities and advanced threat library management tools. These features empower users to optimise tactical Electronic Support Measures (ESM) operations, giving them a significant edge in situational awareness and threat response.

Expanding Saab’s Presence in Finland

The Tampere facility represents Saab's growing investment in Finland's defence sector. According to Kristian Tornivaara, Managing Director of Saab Finland, the company is focusing on strengthening its research and development capabilities in electronic warfare. "Saab’s footprint is growing in Finland with a focus on research and development operations in the field of electronic warfare. This initiative underscores Saab’s commitment to providing cutting-edge defence solutions to customers," Tornivaara said.

Currently, Saab employs over 200 professionals across Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. With the new production facility, the company plans to further expand its workforce, supporting both local talent and the Finnish defence industry.

Bolstering Finland's Defence Landscape

The Sirius Compact's role extends beyond Saab’s portfolio. By leveraging Finland's advanced technological capabilities, the system contributes to strengthening the country’s position in global defence markets. It also aligns with Finland's strategic objectives to develop robust indigenous defence solutions while fostering international partnerships.

As Saab prepares for significant deliveries of the Sirius Compact starting in 2025, the Tampere facility is poised to become a hub of innovation and manufacturing excellence. This development solidifies Saab’s reputation as a global leader in electronic warfare technology while boosting Finland's role in shaping the future of defence systems.