Saab, a Sweden-based defense and aerospace company, announced that it has received a major order that will enhance the Spanish military’s critical artillery detection capabilities. Placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and valued at approximately $57.3 million (540 million SEK), this contract covers the extension of the service life of Spain’s existing Arthur fire control and positioning systems. This agreement demonstrates the growing role of the NSPA in European defense procurement and underscores that the modernization aims to ensure cost-effectiveness and high precision in counter-artillery operations.
Strategic Goals of the Modernization: Longer Range, Lower Signature
Saab emphasized that the upcoming service life extension work will integrate modern technology into the Arthur systems, thereby ensuring Spain’s critical artillery detection capabilities. Key objectives of the modernization include maintaining high operational mobility while enhancing precision counter-battery capabilities.
Through this upgrade, the Arthur radars are expected to detect more targets at longer ranges while doing so with a lower electronic signature. This enhanced capability offers a strategic advantage that will significantly increase the system’s operational effectiveness while reducing the risk of detection by enemy forces.
Arthur Radar System: Critical Artillery Detection Capability
Manufactured by Saab, the Arthur (Artillery Hunting Radar) is a mobile system designed to calculate the firing and impact points of enemy artillery, mortars, and rockets with high accuracy. Equipped with passive electronically scanned array (PESA) technology operating in the C-band, Arthur plays a critical role in protecting soldiers and civilians by providing early warning against incoming enemy fire. It can also be effectively used for tasks such as counter-battery fire and fire control.
The system is capable of electronically scanning a wide area in radar azimuth and elevation angles, tracking up to approximately 100 targets per minute. With a detection range of approximately 31 km for artillery—depending on the variant—and over 50 km for high-caliber rockets, Arthur ranks among the most capable artillery detection systems on the modern battlefield.
A Pioneering Step in NATO Cooperation
Another notable aspect of this order is that it was placed, for the first time, through the NSPA (NATO Support and Procurement Agency). Carl-Johan Bergholm, Head of Saab’s Surveillance Business Unit, commented on this development, stating, “This is the first radar system order placed through NATO’s procurement organization, and it represents a significant step for us.”
This is seen as a significant indicator of the transition toward joint procurement and supply processes for time-critical capabilities across Europe. Saab expressed its satisfaction at continuing to strengthen Spain’s artillery targeting capabilities, once again emphasizing that these capabilities are vital for providing early warning of incoming fire and launching rapid counterfire. This modernization will ensure that the Spanish Army maintains its deterrence and counter-battery capabilities for many years to come.
