Saab delivers the second GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System to the United Arab Emirates on 30 September 2020.
GlobalEye Early Warning and Control Solution
This follows Saab’s delivery of the first GlobalEye aircraft in April 2020 to the United Arab Emirates, which has ordered three GlobalEye aircraft. The initial contract was signed in late 2015.
«Completing the second GlobalEye delivery in five months is a testament to Saab’s in-house expertise as aircraft manufacturer, sensor provider and large system integrator. I am proud to contribute to the United Arab Emirates’ airborne surveillance capability with GlobalEye, which is the most advanced solution of its kind», says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
GlobalEye is Saab’s new airborne early warning and control solution. It provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution. GlobalEye combines Saab’s new Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.
Saab has together with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and Swedish Armed Forces conducted the first tests with the Saab Lightweight Torpedo (SLWT) from a corvette and a submarine.
Successful First Surface Ship and Submarine Firings of Saab Lightweight Torpedo
The tests are the first of its kind for the new torpedo and were undertaken during February and March 2020 at sea ranges outside Karlskrona, on Sweden’s east coast in the Baltic Sea. The tests were conducted from a Gotland-class submarine and from a Visby-class corvette. The purpose of the firings was to verify that the torpedo can be safely launched from the vessels, which also included verification of the integration on the vessels as well as SLWT’s target seeker.
«The Saab Lightweight Torpedo will provide the Swedish and Finnish Navy with the ability to deter and if necessary, destroy hostile underwater and surface threats. Having completed these tests successfully is a major milestone in this joint project», says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.
The development of the torpedo commenced with an order from the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in 2016, and is to be deployed on Sweden’s submarine fleet and corvettes. In January 2018, the Finnish Navy placed an order for the SLWT, as a part of the Squadron 2000 Mid-Life Upgrade Programme. The Finnish Navy will operate the system on-board the upgraded Hamina-class vessels as well as the new Pohjanmaa-class corvettes of the Squadron 2020 Programme.
The SLWT is unique in the way that it is adapted for difficult littoral underwater conditions such as those found in the Baltic Sea while also being designed for operations in deeper seas. With its state-of-the-art design, it incorporates a fully digital homing system, which offers both fire-and-forget and wire-guided operation to pursue the target. It is a flexible system that can be launched from multiple platforms, including surface ships, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft and submarines.
Technical specifications
Length
2.85 m/9.35 feet
Diameter
0.4 m/0.13 feet
Weight
approximately 340 kg/750 lbs.
Speed
10- to 40+ knots/11.5- to 46+ mph/18.5- to 74+ km/h
Saab delivered the first GlobalEye Swing Role Surveillance System aircraft to the United Arab Emirates on 29 April 2020.
Saab delivers the first GlobalEye
The United Arab Emirates has ordered three GlobalEye aircraft, with the initial contract signed in late 2015. In November 2019 the country also announced its intention to complete a contract amendment for the purchase of an additional two systems.
«The delivery of the first GlobalEye is a major milestone for Saab, but also an important step in the history of airborne early warning and control. We have set a new standard for the market and I am proud to say that we have delivered the most advanced airborne surveillance solution in the world to the United Arab Emirates», says Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab.
GlobalEye is Saab’s new airborne early warning and control solution. It provides air, maritime and ground surveillance in a single solution. GlobalEye combines Saab’s new Erieye Extended Range Radar and a range of additional advanced sensors with the ultra-long range Global 6000 aircraft from Bombardier.
Saab started assembly production on January 10, 2020 of its section of the T-7A Red Hawk aircraft, the advanced trainer developed and produced together with Boeing for the United States Air Force (USAF).
Saab starts production in support of U.S. Air Force T-7A Red Hawk programme
Saab is responsible for the development and production of the aft fuselage section for the advanced trainer, with seven aft units being produced in Linköping, Sweden for final assembly at Boeing’s U.S. facility in St. Louis, Missouri.
«In little over a year since we signed the Engineering & Manufacturing Development (EMD) contract, we are starting production of our part of the T-7A Red Hawk jet. This achievement is possible due to the great collaboration between Saab and Boeing, and it is an honour to be part of this programme for the United States Air Force», says Jonas Hjelm, head of Saab business area Aeronautics.
The work is being performed in Linkoping, Sweden, after which future production of Saab’s part for the T-7A Red Hawk will be moved to our new U.S. site in West Lafayette, Indiana.
The Saab facility in West Lafayette is an important part of Saab’s growth strategy in the United States, creating strong organic capabilities for the development, manufacturing and sales of its products.
Boeing is the designated prime contractor for the T-7A Red Hawk advanced pilot training system acquisition by the U.S. Air Force. Saab and Boeing developed the aircraft with Saab as a risk-sharing partner. Saab received the EMD order from Boeing, on September 18, 2018.
Saab carried out the first flight tests with its new advanced Electronic Attack Jammer Pod (EAJP) with successful results on 4 November 2019. The pod’s interfaces with the aircraft’s hardware and software as well as cockpit control and monitoring were tested during the flight.
Saab’s New Electronic Attack Jammer Pod in the Air
The purpose of Saab’s new EAJP pod is to protect aircraft against radars by sophisticated jamming functions, thereby blocking the opponent’s ability to attack them. The first flight marks an important step of the pod’s development programme.
Saab is sharpening its electronic attack capabilities and the new advanced pod is an important element of this development. The EAJP is a strong complement to the built-in electronic attack capabilities of the highly advanced on-board electronic warfare system on Saab’s new Gripen E/F fighter. It can also be used on other aircraft types. The pod forms part of Saab’s Arexis family of electronic warfare systems.
«We performed the flight tests with a Gripen fighter and this new pod is an important part of the development of our new electronic attack capability», says Anders Carp, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
Electronic warfare systems are also used for self-protection by passively detecting hostile radar systems and missiles, protecting the aircraft or platform by using active and passive countermeasures. Offensive electronic warfare, also known as electronic attack, involves actively sending jamming signals to disrupt the sensors in the enemy’s air defence systems so they do no longer constitute a threat.
The first out of 18 of the all-new CB90 HSM has been delivered to the Swedish Defense Material Administration (FMV). A brand new boat, equipped with a lot more than its predecessors: improved speed and maneuverability – as well as attack power and surveillance capabilities.
Meet the new Combat Boat from Saab
With more than 250 sold boats operating worldwide, CB90 has been a success story since the first boat was commissioned. Recently a new model of the proven concept was delivered to FMV; CB90 HSM. The following months another 17 boats will be delivered from Dockstavarvet, part of Saab.
Even though it looks similar to its predecessors on the outside, the inside is vastly modified.
An all-new driveline including an adjusted placement of the engine makes the point of gravity optimized, which in turn makes the boat even more stable, faster and a lot more silent. Combined with new jets run on a higher efficiency the total efficiency is greatly increased – as well as the ergonomics and crew comfort.
«The principles are the same, but with stronger engines everything becomes even more impressive. We’ve managed to overcome the speed demand by several knots», said Andreas Nordstrand, project manager at Dockstavarvet, Saab.
Add to that new combat management system and sensors for surveillance and attack power through the Trackfire system, CB90 HSM is indeed a whole new breed, ready to take on the coasts of Sweden.
Trackfire – giving CB90 HSM an edge
The unique configuration of Trackfire provides a Stabilized Independent Line Of Sight (SILOS). As the independently stabilized Sensor Module is decoupled from the weapons axes (and hence isolated from weapon recoil effects), the operator is able to maintain the line of sight on the target, thereby greatly reducing target acquisition times.
The Trackfire system also allows greatly improved surveillance capabilities through IR cameras.
Furthermore, this configuration enables a target to be continuously lased during the engagement sequence; thereby providing a true comprehensive ballistic calculation including 3D target prediction.
«We’re looking at completely new capabilities. While the older versions are very fine boats, they are more like transportation vehicles in comparison to the new model, taking troops from one point to another. With these upgrades we have completely new operational capabilities in terms of surveillance, fire power, tactical awareness and the ability to act when needed», said Fredrik Hyllengren, project manager at FMV.
A close cooperation
As in all cases of building vessels for the Swedish Navy, CB90 HSM is a result of a close cooperation between Saab’s Dockstavarvet and FMV, something that Andreas Nordstrand means really brings the best out of us as a supplier.
«The list and level of demands push us to deliver accordingly – as best as we can. I think of it as a win-win situation. The end user is always a part of the process, making sure standards are met, in this case the Naval Warfare Centre and the Amphibious Battalion. This is a good product and the teamwork between all parties involved has been great, everyone has been humble and truly worked together. This is the reason for the successful outcome; a great cooperation», said Fredrik Hyllengren.
Nauta Shiprepair Yard has completed the next milestone in the construction of the Swedish Signals intelligence (SIGINT) ship HMS Artemis for the Royal Swedish Navy. Outfitting and equipment installation will take place in Nauta Shiprepair Yard, after which the vessel will undergo harbour and sea trials. The ship will then sail to Saab’s shipyard in Karlskrona to complete outfitting of special systems.
New Swedish SIGINT ship launched in Gdynia
The launching ceremony took place in PGZ Stocznia Wojenna in Gdynia on April 17 and was attended by representatives of the Polish government, the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and Saab, as well as representatives of the Royal Swedish Navy, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), Swedish National Defence Radio Establishment (FRA), the Embassy of Sweden and invited guests.
The first steel cutting took place in March 2018 followed by the keel-laying only three months later. The new ship is 243 feet/74 metres long with displacement of 2,200 tonnes.
«We are delighted to achieve a significant milestone within the contract for the construction of a signals intelligence ship, which will serve the Royal Swedish Navy», said Gunnar Wieslander, Senior Vice President, Head of Saab Business Area Kockums.
«The launch of the signal intelligence ship is a significant event in the construction process. The vessel is a showcase of the high quality and technical capabilities of the shipyard and our partners», said Adam Potrykus, acting President of the Board of Nauta Shiprepair Yard S.A.
Saab was awarded the contract to design and build the SIGINT ship HMS Artemis, which will replace the Swedish Navy’s existing HMS Orion, by the Swedish Material Defence Administration (FMV) in 2017. Subsequently Saab selected Nauta Shiprepair Yard, part of PGZ Group, to construct, launch and perform the sea trials of the ship.
The cooperation in ship construction between Saab and Nauta Shiprepair Yard is a direct result of the agreement, signed in late 2016, to establish a close partnership between Saab and PGZ in the planning and delivery of naval programmes.
The Swedish Rear Admiral, Jens Nykvist, earlier announced that the new SIGINT ship will be given the name HMS Artemis.
February 18, 2019, Lockheed Martin, Diehl Defence and Saab announced the Falcon air defense weapon system as the short and medium-range air defense solution for current and emerging threats.
Lockheed Martin, Diehl and Saab unveil collaboration to counter emerging short and medium-range threats with Falcon Weapon System
Falcon integrates Diehl’s 40-kilometer/25-mile range Infra-Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled (IRIS-T) SLM interceptor and vertical launcher, Saab’s 360-degree Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Giraffe 4A radar through Lockheed Martin’s flexible SkyKeeper command and control battle manager. Falcon’s open architecture allows the system to easily integrate into any air operations center.
Threats such as unmanned aerial systems carrying lethal payloads, cruise missiles that can attack from any direction, and fixed and rotary winged aircraft capable of delivering ordnance at extended ranges, demand a technologically advanced solution that Falcon delivers.
«Our international customers are looking for the next generation short and medium range air defense solution. Falcon is threat driven and ready now», said Scott Arnold, Lockheed Martin vice president and deputy for Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD). «Falcon is a great example of working with our customers to identify potential gaps and find rapid-response solutions to take on today’s evolving threats».
The Diehl IRIS-T SLM is a highly maneuverable interceptor fired from a 360-degree vertical launcher with the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously in all weather conditions. The Saab Giraffe 4A AESA radar offers high discrimination capabilities and leverages gallium nitrate technology to detect and track both fixed and rotary-wing aircraft and drones, while simultaneously featuring an Automatic Sense & Warn functionality. Lockheed Martin’s SkyKeeper command and control battle manager gives commanders unparalleled situational awareness with real-time early warning of incoming threats and optimized engagement solutions for critical decision making. Together these elements make the Falcon weapon system the only integrated short and medium-range missile defense system available in the world with the capabilities required to defeat current and emerging air threats.
The second GlobalEye aircraft took off for the first time at 11.00 am on 3 January from Saab’s airfield in Linköping. GlobalEye, which is based on a modified Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft with a suite of advanced sensors including the Erieye ER airborne radar, undertook a test flight collecting flight-test data. The flight duration was 2 hours 54 minutes.
Saab completed a successful first flight with the second GlobalEye Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft on 3 January
«Today’s successful first flight is another major step for GlobalEye. We received the initial contract in late 2015, completed the maiden flight with the first aircraft in March 2018 and now we have the second aircraft in the air just over nine months later. This is the kind of efficiency that signifies Saab», says Anders Carp, Head of Saab’s business area Surveillance.
GlobalEye brings extended detection range, endurance and the ability to perform multiple roles, including tasks such as search and rescue, border surveillance and military operations. The launch customer for GlobalEye is United Arab Emirates, where the solution is known as the Swing Role Surveillance System (SRSS).
Saab has received an order for deliveries of the new Carl-Gustaf M4 multi-role weapon system to the Slovenian Armed Forces. Deliveries will take place during 2018-2020.
Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf M4 to Slovenian Armed Forces
Slovenia is a new customer of the Carl-Gustaf system, and Saab’s ninth customer for the Carl-Gustaf M4 version since its launch in late 2014.
The Carl-Gustaf M4 is the latest version of the portable, shoulder-launched, multi-role weapon system. It gives users a wide range of engagement options and allows troops to remain agile and effective in any scenario. It builds on the system’s formidable capabilities, offering a higher degree of accuracy, lighter construction and compatibility with future innovations. The M4 is also compatible with future battlefield technology developments such as intelligent sighting systems and programmable ammunition.
«The Slovenian order is further proof that Carl-Gustaf M4 is the number one multi-role weapon on the market. We are happy to introduce the Slovenian Armed Forces to Saab’s Carl-Gustaf M4 with outperforming capabilities and high tactical flexibility, and we feel confident that the end user will be satisfied», says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.
The new version retains all the effectiveness and versatility of the proven Carl-Gustaf system while introducing a range of major enhancements. These include a lighter weight design (weighing less than 7 kg/15.4 lbs.), a round counter, improved safety and intelligent features, such as compatibility with future intelligent sighting systems and programmable ammunition, which collectively offer significant operational improvements for the soldier. The weapon is fully backward compatible with all ammunition types.
