Sweden has delivered Giraffe 1X air surveillance radars to Latvia, strengthening the country’s ability to detect and track airborne threats.
The Saab radar is already in service with the Latvian Armed Forces, with the air force first employing it during the Baltic Zenith 2023 exercises.
Latvia signed an additional contract for Giraffe 1X units in December 2024.
“The additional ‘Giraffe’ 1X radars we are receiving today significantly strengthen our ability to identify and neutralize airspace threats in a timely manner,” Latvian Minister of Defense Andris Sprūds said.
“They are modern, reliable, and have already proven their effectiveness in joint exercises with Latvia and our allies.
I thank Sweden and our partners at Saab for their close cooperation. These capabilities are a crucial contribution to enhancing the security of our country and the entire region.”
Giraffe 1X
The mobile system can identify incoming missiles, hostile drones, rockets, and mortars at extended ranges and share high-quality targeting data with command-and-control systems.
It can detect targets up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) away.
The lightweight 3D sensor weighs less than 150 kilograms (330 pounds), enabling rapid deployment.
It can be mounted on vehicles, installed on ships, or used in fixed positions.
The self-contained mobile configuration can be set up by a two-person team in under 10 minutes and dismantled in less than five.
It is also designed for easy transport aboard C-130, A400M, and C-17 aircraft and can be moved using standard container-handling systems.
