France has signed a new contract to boost its low‑level air defence coverage and its ability to deal with asymmetric threats. The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has awarded a deal to the joint consortium of Saab and Scania France for the supply of Saab Giraffe 1X radar systems and their integration onto high‑mobility Scania V3P tactical trucks. This strategic programme, covering 17 radars in total, will give the French military the ability to detect and provide early warning of threats — particularly drone swarms — in three dimensions while on the move.
Deliveries are scheduled between 2026 and 2027. One radar will be used for testing and evaluation, while the remaining 16 systems will go straight into the operational fleet.
Radars to be Integrated onto Scania V3P Tactical Vehicles
The contract covers not just the radar supply but also a full logistics and integration package. Under the deal, the tactical vehicle integration will be handled by Scania France’s SPAD (Scania Public & Defence) unit in Angers. Once mounted on Scania V3P tactical truck chassis, the systems will be fully mobile and capable of feeding real‑time data to air defence batteries even in tough terrain. The contract also includes spare parts, crew training, and long‑term technical support for the French Armed Forces.
Commenting on the agreement, Carl‑Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business area, stressed the importance of the partnership with France and said Saab is proud to work alongside Scania France on this major project aimed at modernising the French Armed Forces’ short‑range and very short‑range air defence capabilities.
Compact Design and Advanced C‑UAS Capability
The Giraffe 1X is one of the most dynamic members of Saab’s well‑known radar family. It stands out as a compact, high‑update‑rate 3D AESA radar system. Already in service with various users around the world, the system offers a versatile mission profile covering air defence, border security, protection of critical infrastructure, and naval platforms. It can detect and track small, slow, low‑flying asymmetric threats and unmanned aerial vehicles (C‑UAS) with high precision. Thanks to its software‑based architecture, it can be easily upgraded to counter future electronic warfare and munition threats. As a reminder, Saab recently proved its credentials in this field by securing a C‑UAS order for its own home country, Sweden.
France’s procurement move is seen as part of a broader strategy to create a flexible air defence layer that provides uninterrupted protection — even during troop movements — against the growing threat of drones on the modern battlefield. Alongside the Giraffe radar family, Saab continues to offer doctrinal solutions focused on capability enhancement, such as the Bolide 2 air defence missile, which supports the overall air defence umbrella.
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Source: C4Defence– Saab
