The US Navy has awarded a $30-million follow-on contract to Swedish defense firm Saab for the production and delivery of two additional AN/SPN-50(V)1 radar systems.
The radar, currently in low-rate production, is a version of the Sea Giraffe Agile Multi-beam radar system.
It will reportedly function as the primary air traffic control and surveillance radar for some US Navy warships.
“We are thrilled to be providing these radars to enable flight operations on US Navy aircraft carriers and large deck amphibious ships,” Saab President Erik Smith said in a press release.
“The Navy’s continued trust and confidence in Saab to provide this critical capability is a reflection on our team’s hard work, capabilities, and commitment.”
The follow-on contract will see the company deliver a total of seven AN/SPN-50(V)1 radar systems.
Work for the agreement will be performed in New York, with initial deliveries expected in 2024.
Investments in Surveillance Capabilities
The multimillion-dollar contract is part of the US Navy’s continuing push to bolster its surveillance capabilities.
In 2016, the service placed an order with Saab to procure the first batch of AN/SPN-50 (V)1 shipboard air traffic radars.
The technology will collect data for various air traffic control services, such as aircraft sequencing, airspace identification, safety alerts, and landing guidance.
Earlier this year, the navy also announced that it is spending $3.16 billion on Raytheon’s SPY-6 family of radars.
The system will reportedly be installed on over 45 surface ships over the next five years.