Saab has delivered five next-generation weapon locating radars to the British Army.
The Taipan radar was accepted by the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery on June 28 at Larkhill Camp.
It “offers the British Army rapid deployment and redeployment, high operational mobility, and precise counter-battery operations, locating an increased number of targets at greater range with reduced electronic warfare signatures, leveraging Saab’s Digital Antenna technology,” the company explained.
Mamba’s Replacement
The Taipan is the intended replacement of Saab’s Mamba, which has been in service with the British Army since 2003.
In 2020, Saab upgraded the Mamba in 2020 under a 46-million-pound ($60 million) contract, extending its service life until 2026.
It is capable of locating artillery projectiles, rockets, and mortars from a distance of 50 kilometers (31 miles).
The Mamba features an active electronically scanned array to track incoming threats in three dimensions and is capable of handling more than 100 targets.
Project Serpens
The UK Ministry of Defence launched project Serpens in 2018 to replace a trio of weapon locating radars operable with the British Army: the Hostile Artillery Locating system, the AN/TPQ-49 lightweight counter-mortar radar, and the Mamba.
The project’s in-service date is 2026 with a retirement date of 2057.
Like the Mamba, the other radars are completing their service in 2026.
“The team at Saab looks forward to continuing our support for the UK as it becomes the first user of the new Arthur current generation and next generation systems,” Group Managing Director Andy Fraser said.
“Saab is our key partner for both Mamba and now Taipan and what it as a company has and continues to deliver to our Armed Forces is hugely impressive,” Lt. Gen. Sir Andrew Gregory said.
“MAMBA has more than proved its worth and Taipan is a step change in capability.”