- These 16 systems will replace part of the Army’s low-layer ground-to-air aerial detection and surveillance capacity, which currently relies on the NC1 30 and NC1 40 radar vehicles, which entered service in 1995.
- These orders were carried out by the DGA as part of the reactive acquisition force (Far). In the absence of a French solution immediately available, the DGA chose to acquire, from two Swedish manufacturers, equipment on the shelf requiring little development.
- The first eight systems will be delivered during 2026, the next eight in the first half of 2027.
The Army’s accompanying low-layer ground-air defense capabilities aim to set up an accompanying anti-aircraft bubble, to protect the land forces deployed in operations.
While awaiting the ground-to-air defense and anti-drone versions of the Serval vehicle, these orders aim to strengthen the low-layer detection capabilities of the Army with an intermediate capacity from 2026.
The DGA chose a solution proposed by the Swedish manufacturers Saab and Scania, with proven equipment, available and best meeting operational needs.
This acquisition, carried out within the framework of the Far, demonstrates the ability of the DGA to respond reactively to the urgent needs of the forces by acquiring systems on the shelf, or requiring little development, from our partners Europeans. This system, created in 2023, makes it possible to reduce equipment acquisition times, from the expression of the need to its commissioning by the armed forces.
The Giraffe 1X radar Saab’s active antenna will be able to detect a wide range of aerial threats at 360°, ranging from micro-drones to combat aircraft, several kilometers away. It thus has advanced performances in the field of anti-drone fighting and allows the use of a C-Ram mode (Counter rocket artillery and mortar) making it possible to detect and track munitions from its point of launch to its point of impact. In addition, this multi-mission radar is a compact system, quickly deployable and integrable on different platforms. Ultimately, it is intended to be integrated into the Serval vehicle.
For the record, two Giraffe 1X radars were deployed in Paris (75) and Marseille (13) for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games by the Air and Space Force, to complement the detection capabilities of anti-drone systems.
Scania’s multi-purpose carrier vehicle, which will carry the Giraffe 1X radar, will be adapted to the Army’s employment concept. In particular, the rear platform will accommodate not only the radar but also an energy pack meeting the radar’s electrical autonomy requirements. The interior of the cabin will also be fitted out, with additional seats and screens, to be able to simultaneously board a pilot, a captain and three operators. These vehicles will be produced in France, in Angers (49). The integration of the radar on the chassis will also be carried out in France by Scania.
This acquisition is part of a close collaboration between France and Sweden. The DGA worked in coordination with its Swedish counterparts to guarantee the compatibility of the equipment with existing systems and ensure rapid integration within the forces. This international cooperation strengthens ties between the two countries and contributes to the interoperability of their defense systems.
