Saab Giraffe 1X

The Giraffe 1X from Saab (Sweden) is a compact 3D AESA radar for short-range air defence (SHORAD), drone defence and warning of rocket, artillery and mortar fire (C-RAM). It can be vehicle-mounted, deployed or run stationary. The manufacturer addresses it to the military and to critical infrastructure.

Saab describes range through target size: a UAV smaller than a milk carton is detected at 4 km. That is a target class rather than a radar-cross-section figure, and the number must be read against it. The radar searches its whole search volume every second, so the update rate is one second. 3D AESA means an electronically steered beam giving range, bearing and height. The complete system weighs under 150 kg, of which 100 kg sits on the mast.

Radars transmit too: in Germany every use of a frequency needs an assignment from the Bundesnetzagentur (Section 91(1) TKG). How frequency use is regulated in Poland has to be clarified with the competent authorities before deployment. The radar detects and tracks; jammers may be operated only by authorities in Germany and Poland (Section 91 TKG, Article 42 of the Polish Electronic Communications Law).

In selection, the range for one’s own target size has to be requested from the manufacturer with its radar-cross-section reference; “smaller than a milk carton” cannot be converted into square metres. The 100 kg on the mast determines the vehicle fit-out and structure. The radar serves several tasks, so the software version with the modes for drones and for C-RAM is part of upkeep. If the antenna rotates mechanically, bearings, rotary joint and drive belong in the maintenance plan. Cameras complement identification.