France orders 17 Saab Giraffe 1X radars for air defense
AI Analysis
France has contracted Saab and Scania France to supply 17 Giraffe 1X radars, with 16 integrated onto Scania V3P tactical vehicles, to enhance its air defense and counter-UAS capabilities. Deliveries are scheduled between 2026-2027, and the radar will function as a detection layer within a distributed SHORAD architecture. Saab is increasing production capacity of the Giraffe 1X to meet growing demand, targeting over 300 systems annually.
Key Takeaways
- France is procuring 17 Saab Giraffe 1X radars for air defense and C-UAS.
- 16 radars will be mounted on Scania V3P vehicles, the same chassis used for the Vampire SHORAD system.
- The Giraffe 1X is a software-defined radar allowing for continuous upgrades.
- Sweden is also expanding its Giraffe 1X deployment as part of the GUTE II counter-drone package.
- France's SHORAD architecture will be distributed, utilizing Giraffe 1X for detection, Proteus cannons for engagement, and Vampire/Mistral launchers for missile defense.
Why It Matters
This procurement signals a French commitment to modernizing its air defense capabilities, particularly against the growing threat of drones. The distributed architecture, while potentially less integrated, offers flexibility and redundancy. Increased Giraffe 1X production by Saab indicates a broader international demand for this C-UAS technology.
France orders 17 Saab Giraffe 1X radars for air defense
France orders 17 Saab Giraffe 1X radars to bolster air defense and counter-drone capability
May 18, 2026
France’s defense procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), has signed a joint contract with Saab and Scania France for the supply of 17 Giraffe 1X radars, 16 of which will be integrated onto Scania V3P tactical vehicles for the French Armed Forces. The deal was announced by Saab on May 18, 2026.
One radar will be used for testing and evaluation, while the other 16 systems will be mounted on the V3P chassis, a tactical truck developed by Scania France and its Scania Public and Defense (SPAD) division in Angers. The contract also covers spare parts, training, and support, and is being executed through a joint consortium grouping the two manufacturers. Deliveries are scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
“We are proud to work together with Scania France on this important contract, with the aim of modernizing the short and very short-range air defense capabilities for the French Armed Forces,” said Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area.
A software-defined radar for layered air defense
The Giraffe 1X is a compact 3D surveillance radar designed for air defense, counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), site protection, and naval applications. The system is software-based, which Saab says allows continuous upgrades as new threats emerge.
The radar is already in service or under contract with several operators. Sweden folded additional Giraffe 1X units into its SEK 8.7 billion GUTE II counter-drone package announced on April 2, 2026, alongside contracts with BAE Systems Bofors, Nammo, and SISU.
Saab reported in its Q1 2026 results that Giraffe 1X is now partly being built on speculation to meet urgent customer demand, with the group targeting eventual annual output of more than 300 systems.
(Credit: Saab)
Mounting onto the V3P chassis
The Scania V3P, industrialized at Scania Production Angers, is the same 4×4 chassis selected by the French Army for the Vampire mobile short-range air defense vehicle, which integrates the PAMELA launcher and the MBDA Mistral 3 missile. The platform was chosen to replace aging VLRA and TRM 2000 trucks supporting SHORAD units, with a focus on light, air-transportable carriers for the army’s mountain troops and special forces.
The Giraffe 1X radar will operate as part of a distributed SHORAD architecture alongside the French Army’s other short-range systems. Artillery regiments will field one section each of the Proteus 20mm cannon system, while specialized air defense units and the 54th Artillery Regiment will receive additional Proteus batteries and Vampire Mistral launchers. The Giraffe 1X on V3P will provide the detection layer for this layered defense, though the separation of radar, cannon, and missile across three distinct platforms represents a fragmented approach compared to integrated systems fiel