France has ordered 17 Saab Giraffe 1X short-range air defense radars as part of a new program to strengthen its very short-range air defense and counter-drone capabilities. The contract, signed by France’s Directorate General of Armaments with Saab and Scania France, covers radar supply, integration on tactical vehicles, spare parts, training, and support.
According to Saab and French defense sources, 16 Giraffe 1X radars will be mounted on Scania V3P tactical truck chassis, forming mobile Varda systems dedicated to very short-range air surveillance and counter-uncrewed aircraft missions. One additional radar will be reserved for test and evaluation. Deliveries are scheduled between 2026 and 2027.
The Giraffe 1X is a compact X-band AESA 3D radar designed for short-range air surveillance, ground-based air defense target acquisition, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems. The system provides 360-degree coverage with rapid refresh and can track multiple targets simultaneously, including small and mini drones, low-flying aircraft, and rockets, artillery, and mortar threats.
France has previously employed Giraffe 1X radars for security during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, giving its armed forces operational experience with the system. The new vehicle-mounted radars are described by French officials as an interim capability, intended to bridge the gap until future air defense and counter-drone variants of the Serval armored vehicle are fielded.