Saab Demonstrates Modular Counter-UAS System with Giraffe 1X, Trackfire ARES, Tridon MK2

Swedish defense company Saab participated in a high-profile demonstration at the Tofta Firing Range on Gotland, Sweden, showcasing its latest counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies. The event, organized by the Swedish Armed Forces and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, brought together senior stakeholders from across the defense sector to observe the operational capabilities of Saab’s modular and mobile C-UAS solution.

Trackfire. Saab

The demonstration, referred to as “Gute” by the Swedish Armed Forces, highlighted the increasing relevance of counter-drone technologies in modern defense strategies. With the proliferation of small, agile, and low-cost drones, traditional air defense systems face significant challenges in detection and neutralization. Incidents such as Ukraine’s UAV strikes on Russian air bases have underscored the disruptive potential of these systems and the urgency for adaptable countermeasures.

Saab’s showcased solution is designed to address these challenges through a system-of-systems approach. It integrates several military off-the-shelf (MOTS) components that have already been tested in operational environments. The core elements of the system include the Giraffe 1X radar for detection and classification, a SHORAD (Short Range Air Defense) command and control platform for decision-making, and kinetic effectors such as the Trackfire ARES remote weapon station and the BAE Tridon MK2.

The Giraffe 1X radar plays a central role in the system’s early warning capability. It features a “Drone Tracker” function that identifies and classifies aerial threats. Once a threat is detected, the information is relayed to the SHORAD system, which coordinates the response using the integrated effectors. During the demonstration, this process was executed in real-time, illustrating the system’s ability to complete a full C-UAS kill chain from detection to neutralization.

Mobility and adaptability are key attributes of Saab’s C-UAS configuration. The radar and weapon stations were mounted on mobile platforms to enable rapid deployment and repositioning in response to evolving threat environments. Specifically, the Giraffe 1X and Trackfire ARES were installed on the 4×4 Sisu GPT vehicle, while the Tridon MK2 was mounted on a Scania flatbed truck. This setup allows the system to be deployed in both frontline and domestic defense scenarios, offering flexibility across different operational contexts.

The demonstration also emphasized ease of use and operational readiness. Conducted largely by conscripts, the event illustrated the system’s user-friendly design and minimal training requirements. This aspect is particularly relevant for defense forces seeking scalable solutions that can be quickly integrated into existing structures without extensive retraining.

Saab’s approach reflects broader trends in defense technology, where modularity and rapid deployment are increasingly prioritized. The integration of MOTS components not only accelerates development timelines but also ensures compatibility with existing military infrastructure. According to Saab, the system’s architecture allows for additional effectors to be incorporated based on specific mission requirements, further enhancing its adaptability.

The Gotland demonstration served as a practical showcase of Saab’s counter-drone capabilities, illustrating how modular and mobile systems can address the evolving threat landscape posed by unmanned aerial vehicles. The event provided defense stakeholders with direct insight into the operational cycle of the C-UAS solution, reinforcing its potential utility in both national and international defense contexts.