Saab has signed a contract worth $1.27bn with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand and improve the country’s airborne surveillance capabilities.
Under the deal, Saab will supply a new airborne swing role surveillance system (SRSS) that combines a new version of the Saab Erieye radar system.
Saab president and CEO Håkan Buskhe said: "The new version of Erieye is without a doubt the most capable airborne early warning and control system on the market.
"Saab’s capability to develop high technology solutions for customers shows that our focus on research and development is the right way to ensure continued competitiveness on the defence market."
The new SRSS for the UAE, which uses the Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier as a platform, is capable of simultaneous detection and tracking of multiple targets in the air, on land and at sea.
According to Saab, the system is the latest evolution of the Erieye system that incorporates the company’s many decades of radar capabilities across all domains.
Saab Electronic Defence Systems Business area head Micael Johansson said: "Saab understands the vital importance of advanced airborne surveillance and we have a family of products that play a key role in defence and civil security.
"The UAE’s selection of Saab’s solution confirms our strong position regarding airborne surveillance and systems integration."
Work under the contract will be carried out at Saab’s facilities in Gothenburg, Linköping, Järfälla, Arboga, Luleå and Centurion.
Recently, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) awarded a SEK154m ($17.8m) contract to Saab to provide support and maintenance for Gripen aircraft.
Under this contract, the company will offer support and maintenance operations with a focus on technical support, publications and component maintenance to support the continued operation of Gripen.
Image: A Saab aircraft flying. Photo: courtesy of Saab AB.
