Saab has stolen a march on its opposition by launching a new phased-array radar for coastal surveillance. Such land-based radars are typically rotating types, but phased-array technology brings many advantages.
Saab’s new system is called the Coast Control Radar, and it was unveiled at IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi from 17-21 February.
This phased-array, software-defined radar was developed completely by Saab UAE, located in Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi. Thanks to its compact nature, it can be mounted atop buildings, towers or waterway bridges to give maximum coverage out to sea.
Myrin Naidoo, Head of Systems Engineering at Saab UAE, told Asian Military Review that it offers a 120º field of view and range of 140km. To provide surveillance of an island, for example, an array of three can be co-located to give full 360º coverage.
Naidoo said a jet ski-sized target can be detected at a range of 10nm. He noted that the modular radar also offers ease of maintenance and installation, plus its software is upgradable. It weighs only 200kg, and because it has no rotating parts, it is less likely to break down.
Development of the Coast Control Radar commenced in 2018, and it is now ready to go to market. Once orders are received, the radars will be manufactured in the UAE.
Addressing other advantages of the technology, Naidoo said the phased-array radar can point and stare at targets, plus it provides higher update rates than a rotating radar can. This helps quickly establish a target’s speed and direction of travel.
The Coast Control Radar is being aimed at port authorities – where it can monitor channels or harbours – and coast guards or similar agencies that protect national coastlines. Data from radars is transmitted to a control station and operator by fibre-optic cable, or it can be alternatively sent wirelessly.
Heléne Bittmann, Saab’s UAE Managing Director, commented: “As a solution developed by Saab in the UAE, we chose to launch the radar in the Middle East where the safe and reliable transit of maritime waterways is of great importance. The Coast Control Radar can provide nations of similar need with a highly effective means of monitoring these key economic lifelines while contributing to the safety and security of those who sail them.”
Naidoo said the radar is just as applicable to Asia, which has many countries with significant coastlines and who need greater maritime domain awareness. Phased-array radars are often designed for militaries, but Saab’s new offering now brings this technology to a wider market for coastal surveillance.
by Gordon Arthur, Abu Dhabi
