STOCKHOLM – Swedish defence and security company Saab has officially received a permanent order from the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) for its advanced Saab Giraffe 1X radar systems. This procurement follows a highly successful operational deployment, initially initiated to bolster security during the EU leaders’ security summits held in Copenhagen in October 2025.
Rapid Deployment and Operational Success in Copenhagen
Leading up to the high-profile Copenhagen summits, the Danish Armed Forces urgently required robust surveillance to monitor both civil and military infrastructure. Saab delivered the requested radar systems a mere three days after receiving the initial inquiry from DALO.
During the summits, military and industry units from multiple NATO countries—including the Swedish Armed Forces utilising Saab’s anti-drone technology—collaborated to secure various Danish sites. To meet peak operational demands, Denmark rented additional units to expand its air surveillance coverage, which have now been purchased outright under this new agreement.
Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area, praised the rapid rollout: “The swift response was made possible not only by our own organisational capacity but also by the exceptional efficiency and cooperation shown by Swedish and Danish authorities. I want to emphasise DALO’s solution-oriented approach, which significantly saved time and enabled our systems to commence air surveillance with drone detection in record time.”
Key Capabilities of the Saab Giraffe 1X Radar
The Saab Giraffe 1X is a highly mobile, compact 3D radar designed to provide comprehensive air situational awareness. The systems delivered to Denmark utilise the self-sufficient Compact Radar Module (CRM) configuration. This allows the radar to be easily transferred between platforms, such as from a pickup flatbed to a static building or another vehicle.
Key features of the system include:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Scans the entire search volume every second to provide a continuous real-time air picture.
- Advanced Drone Detection: Highly capable of detecting Low, Slow, and Small (LSS) targets, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), even in high-clutter environments.
- Versatile Tracking: Accurately identifies and tracks fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, fast missiles, and RAM (Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar) targets.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing under 150 kg, the system is excellent for urgent use with limited operational infrastructure.
Strategic Regional Air Defence
The permanent acquisition of the Saab Giraffe 1X underscores a growing focus among European nations on rapid-response air defence and anti-drone capabilities. As unmanned aerial threats become increasingly prevalent, adaptable and rapidly deployable sensor networks like those procured by Denmark are cementing their position as critical assets for national and regional security.