Denmark has placed a permanent order for Saab’s Giraffe 1X radar systems after using them for more than six months during security operations surrounding high-profile summits in Copenhagen.
The Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) first requested the systems in 2025 ahead of major European Union security meetings in the capital, when authorities needed rapid air surveillance and drone detection coverage for sensitive sites.
Saab delivered the first units within three days, with additional radars later rented to expand coverage during the events.
The Giraffe 1X is a compact 3D radar designed to detect, track, and classify aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, helicopters, missiles, rockets, artillery rounds, and mortars.
In Denmark, the system was deployed in a Compact Radar Module configuration, allowing it to be mounted quickly on vehicles or fixed positions with minimal infrastructure.
“I want to emphasize DALO’s solution-oriented approach, which significantly saved time and enabled our systems to commence air surveillance with drone detection in record time,” Saab Surveillance head Carl-Johan Bergholm said.
Giraffe 1X Radars in NATO
Beyond Denmark, several NATO and partner nations have already integrated or ordered the Giraffe 1X into their air defense networks.
In May, France ordered 17 of the radars, including one unit for testing and evaluation and 16 to be mounted on Scania V3P tactical vehicles produced by Scania France in Angers.
In April, the US Army awarded Saab a $24-million contract to deliver 10 Giraffe 1X radars to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The deal includes Estonia’s first procurement of the system, while Latvia already operates it and Lithuania has integrated it into its mobile short-range air defense network.
