What's Happening?
Saab has been awarded a contract by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency to extend the lifespan of the Artillery Hunting Radar (Arthur) systems used by the Spanish Army. The contract, valued at approximately Skr540m ($57m), aims to enhance Spain's
artillery locating capabilities through modern technological integration. This marks the first time Saab's radar systems have been procured through NATO's purchasing body. The Arthur radar system is designed to detect and track artillery projectiles, calculate their origin points, and generate impact points for intelligence analysis. It is currently operational in 12 countries, including Norway, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, as well as Spain, South Korea, Greece, Italy, and the UK.
Why It's Important?
The extension of the Arthur radar systems is significant for Spain as it seeks to increase its defense spending to meet NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target by 2030. This enhancement will improve operational mobility and precision in counter-battery operations, allowing for the detection of more targets over extended distances with a reduced electronic signature. The contract reflects Spain's commitment to strengthening its defense capabilities amid geopolitical tensions and the need for advanced military technology.
What's Next?
Spain is expected to continue increasing its defense budget, projected to reach $27.3bn (€23.5bn) by 2029, according to GlobalData's report. The extension of the Arthur radar systems will likely lead to further collaborations between Saab and NATO, potentially expanding the use of advanced radar technology in other member countries. As Spain works towards its defense spending goals, additional contracts and technological upgrades may be pursued to bolster its military capabilities.
