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Saab Unveils New Sirius Compact L20C Sensor for Enhanced Tactical Communication Surveillance.
At an event in Nuremberg, Germany, Saab introduced the Sirius Compact L20C, a new advancement in its Sirius Compact line of tactical Electronic Warfare (EW) sensors, as announced by the company on October 15, 2024. This innovative sensor, classified as a Communications-Electronic Support Measures (C-ESM) solution, is designed to enhance tactical reconnaissance capabilities by detecting, classifying, and tracking communication signals. It targets a wide range of sources, from enemy troop radios to signals emitted by unmanned aerial systems, underscoring Saab’s commitment to providing modern, NATO-compatible solutions in electromagnetic intelligence.
The Sirius Compact L20C is a new EW sensor. (Picture source: Saab)
Saab unveiled the Sirius Compact L20C as a new EW sensor engineered to strengthen tactical reconnaissance capabilities. Classified as a C-ESM sensor, it detects, classifies, and tracks various signals, including those from enemy radios and drones.
The design of the Sirius Compact L20C prioritizes versatility, with a compact structure that allows for rapid deployment across diverse operational environments. Lightweight and extremely mobile, the L20C can be carried by a soldier, mounted on agile light vehicles, or installed on masts without the need for specialized tools. This flexibility, combined with its compatibility with NATO standards, ensures the sensor’s adaptability across a variety of tactical contexts. Additionally, the sensor can be operated remotely, simplifying its use while minimizing detection, which is essential for maintaining operational discretion.
At the core of the L20C’s capabilities is advanced signal processing, enabling precise detection and high-accuracy localization of electromagnetic signals, creating what Saab calls the “Recognized Electromagnetic Picture” (REP). This situational awareness feature allows forces to monitor the electromagnetic environment accurately, providing critical intelligence on enemy activities. Saab’s Software-Defined Defense approach further enhances the L20C’s design, integrating standardized data interfaces that enable seamless integration with existing Command and Control (C2) systems.
According to Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab's Surveillance division, the Sirius Compact L20C represents an important milestone in the Sirius Compact series. “Our new Sirius Compact sensor, the L20C, is a milestone within the Sirius Compact family. Our customers will benefit from the L20C to stay ahead of threats through its ability to track enemy communication signals. Combined with the Sirius Compact L20R, it provides users with essential information that delivers situational awareness of crucial relevance on today’s battlefield.”
By combining the L20C with the Sirius Compact L20R model, Saab enhances users’ ability to maintain a comprehensive view of the electromagnetic environment, supporting critical decision-making and contributing to a strategic advantage on the modern battlefield.