France Orders Giraffe 1X Radar Vehicles

Giraffe 1X radar | Photo: Saab

Saab and Scania France have received a contract from France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) for the supply and integration of Giraffe 1X radar systems on tactical vehicles intended for the French Armed Forces. The order is part of a French effort to strengthen low-altitude air defence and anti-drone detection capabilities.

The agreement announced by Saab and Scania France includes 17 Giraffe 1X radar systems. One radar will be used for testing and evaluation, while the remaining 16 systems will be installed on Scania V3P tactical vehicle chassis. The contract also includes training, spare parts and support services.

According to information released by the DGA, the radar-equipped vehicles form part of the Varda system, described as an advanced aerial detection vehicle. France had already ordered an initial batch of eight systems on December 29, 2025, and added another eight systems on April 14, 2026, bringing the total to 16 operational systems.

The new systems are intended to replace part of the French Army’s existing low-layer air defence detection capability based on NC1 30 and NC1 40 radar vehicles that entered service in 1995.

Deliveries are expected to take place between 2026 and 2027. The first eight systems are planned for delivery in 2026, while the remaining eight are expected in the first half of 2027.

The acquisition was carried out under France’s Reactive Acquisition Force framework, designed to shorten procurement timelines through the purchase of equipment already in production or requiring minimal modification.

The Giraffe 1X is a software-based three-dimensional radar system designed to detect aerial threats over a 360-degree area. According to information released by the DGA, the radar can detect and track various threats ranging from micro-drones to combat aircraft. It also includes a Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar (C-RAM) mode that can track incoming projectiles from launch to impact.

French authorities stated that the systems are intended as an interim capability before future anti-air and anti-drone versions of the Serval vehicle enter service.

Scania will produce the vehicles in Angers, France, where integration of the radar systems onto the chassis will also take place. The vehicles will include onboard power systems and modified cabin layouts to accommodate operating crews.

Carl-Johan Bergholm, Head of Saab’s Business Area Surveillance, said: “We are proud to work together with Scania France on this important contract, with the aim of modernizing the short and very short-range air defence capabilities for the French Armed Forces”.