Swedish aerospace and defence company Saab has secured a contract to upgrade French Air and Space Force’s mobile command and control systems.

The contract, awarded by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), will help in enhancing information assurance and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capabilities of the systems, which include Saab ’s Giraffe AMB radar and command and control shelter.

The upgrades will also help in increasing the French Air Force’s Nato interoperability and extend the lifespan of the systems by at least ten additional years.

Saab deputy CEO and Surveillance business area head Anders Carp said: “The upgrade means we will extend the lifespan of the French Air and Space Force’s mobile command and control systems for at least another decade while continuing to support and enhance its operational capabilities and Nato interoperability.

“This contract further demonstrates our long-term commitment to support the French Armed Forces.”

The contract award is part of the French aerospace operations command and control system programme called SCCOA.

In 2001, Saab secured the initial order from France for the Giraffe AMB systems and command and control shelter.

The systems were used by the French Air and Space Force for a variety of tasks, which include conducting military air surveillance missions in France and on international operations.

Recently, Saab ’s Brazilian Aerostructures plant achieved a milestone by producing its first aerostructure for the Gripen E fighter jet.

Saab Aeronáutica Montagens (SAM) will produce 72 tail cones, half of which are for the Brazilian Gripen E/F aircraft.