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Saab Expands Production of Sirius Compact Sensors with New Facility in Finland.
Saab has announced the opening of a new production facility in Tampere, Finland, which will begin operations in early 2025. This expansion is aimed at meeting the growing demand for its passive electronic warfare (EW) sensor, the Sirius Compact, which has generated significant interest since its launch in 2022. To meet this demand, Saab will begin large-scale serial production at this new site.
The Sirius Compact is a passive EW sensor network designed to enhance situational awareness by silently detecting, classifying, and prioritizing radar and datalink emissions. (Picture source: SAAB)
Saab has revealed plans to open a new production facility in Tampere, Finland, in early 2025. This move is in response to the increasing demand for its Sirius Compact passive electronic warfare (EW) sensor, which has attracted considerable interest since its 2022 launch. The new facility will support large-scale serial production of the sensor.
The Sirius Compact is a passive EW sensor network designed to enhance situational awareness by silently detecting, classifying, and prioritizing radar and datalink emissions. Its low size, weight, and power (SWaP) profile allows for rapid deployment across various platforms, including drones, vehicles, vessels, masts, or even as a portable unit. This versatility makes the Sirius Compact a valuable asset for tactical operations at all levels. The sensor has already been well received in defense markets, with significant deliveries scheduled for 2025.
The Tampere facility marks a strategic development for Saab, consolidating the company’s presence in Finland, particularly in research and development in electronic warfare technologies. Kristian Tornivaara, Managing Director of Saab Finland, emphasized that "Saab’s footprint in Finland is growing with a particular focus on research and development in the field of electronic warfare. This initiative underscores Saab's commitment to providing cutting-edge defense solutions to its customers." Currently, Saab employs over 200 people in its Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku offices, with recruitment plans to support the continued expansion of its operations. In addition to the Sirius Compact, Saab Finland is involved in delivering sensor network capabilities and threat library management tools, thus supporting customers’ tactical Electronic Support Measures (ESM) operations.
In October 2024, Saab introduced a new version of its Sirius Compact sensor, the L20C, a mobile and passive sensor designed for tactical reconnaissance of communication signals. This extension of the Sirius Compact family enhances the system's ability to detect, classify, locate, and track communication signals such as enemy troop radios or drone signals, providing significant operational flexibility in electromagnetic reconnaissance.
The opening of this new facility in Tampere and the introduction of the Sirius Compact L20C highlight Saab's commitment to strengthening its electronic warfare capabilities and solidifying its strategic position in Finland. These initiatives are expected to improve tactical situational awareness and provide cutting-edge defense solutions to customers worldwide.