The Canadian Government has awarded a contract to Saab Microwave Canada for the supply of new antenna sets for the Sea Giraffe 180 (SG-180) medium-range air and surface search radar.

The C$21.7m ($16.26m) contract includes procurement of a modern electronically stabilised antenna set for the radars that are installed on the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Halifax-class frigates.

It also comes with an option for the acquisition of an additional 12 antenna sets, which will bring the contract value to C$97.5m ($73.06m) if exercised.

This detection system upgrade is in line with Canada’s defence policy. It will enable the RCN to meet future defence and security challenges.

The electronically stabilised antenna sets will maximise the Sea Giraffe radar’s reach to up to 180km, as well as offer new 3D detection and tracking capability.



“This contract will help equip our navy’s women and men in uniform with more effective and combat-ready technology.”

The new capability will also enable the Halifax-class frigates to protect Canadian waters and participate in international operations.

Canada Defence Minister Harjit S Sajjan said: “Our capacity to detect threats is critical to our ability to respond quickly with defence countermeasures. Canada’s defence policy, ‘Strong, Secure, Engaged’, is all about making sure our women and men in uniform have everything they need to do their jobs.

“This contract will help equip our navy’s women and men in uniform with more effective and combat-ready technology. We will continue to identify opportunities to enhance the Canadian Armed Forces as they proudly defend Canada, Canadians, and our allies.”

The first antenna is expected to be installed on HMCS St John’s in early 2021, when the frigate is also scheduled to undergo its planned maintenance programme.

Procurement and installation of the additional antenna sets will be based on the performance evaluation of the first installed unit.