Air Force of Latvia Receives “Giraffe” 1X Air Surveillance Radars

On Wednesday, 3 December, at the National Armed Forces base in Lielvārde, H.E. Mr Daniel Olsson, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Latvia, and representatives of the Swedish company Saab formally handed over “Giraffe” 1X air surveillance radars to the Latvian National Armed Forces Air Force.

The “Giraffe” 1X radar is a ground-based air surveillance radar designed to support air defence. It provides high-quality target data, detects drones, and identifies rockets and mortars, allowing for immediate and effective responses to threats and changing operational conditions. The “Giraffe” radars are mobile and can be deployed in any terrain as operational needs arise.

“The additional ‘Giraffe’ 1X radars we are receiving today significantly strengthen our ability to identify and neutralize airspace threats in a timely manner. They are modern, reliable, and have already proven their effectiveness in joint exercises with Latvia and our allies. I thank Sweden and our partners at Saab for their close cooperation. These capabilities are a crucial contribution to enhancing the security of our country and the entire region,” emphasized Minister of Defence Andris Sprūds.

The “Giraffe” 1X radars, produced by the Swedish company Saab, are already part of the National Armed Forces’ equipment, and the Air Force first used them during the “Baltic Zenith 2023” exercises. The contract for the acquisition of additional “Giraffe” 1X radars was signed in December 2024.

The formal radar handover ceremony was attended by Major General Georgs Kerlins, Chief of the National Armed Forces Joint Staff; Lieutenant Colonel Imants Kleinbergs, Commander of the Air Force Air Defence Division; Swedish Defence Attaché Commodore Gert Burgstaller; and Dan Runefeldt, Head of Saab in Latvia.

Information prepared by:
MoD Military Public Affairs Department
Media Relations Section
Phone: 67335210
E-mail: prese@mod.gov.lv