Saab develops the new Coast Control Radar for protecting strategic waters in the Middle East.

Saab is unveiling its new Coast Control Radar at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Developed in the UAE, this next-generation, phased-array, non-rotating, software-defined radar enhances the surveillance and security of territorial waters and maritime traffic. The system supports national sovereignty and contributes to the global economy by ensuring the safe passage of vessels in strategic waterways. Its design prioritizes flexibility and ease of integration, making it adaptable for a wide range of coastal and maritime monitoring applications.
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Saab's new Coast Control Radar has the capability to detect and track small, fast-moving vessels, ensuring continuous monitoring of maritime traffic and maintaining navigation security in the Middle East. (Picture source: Saab)

The Coast Control Radar is built on advanced military-grade antenna and radar technology, designed for both military and civilian applications. Its non-rotating phased-array configuration allows for comprehensive 360-degree coverage with a compact footprint and modular design. This ensures flexible installation on various infrastructures, such as buildings, towers, and waterway bridges, without significant structural modifications. The radar is specifically engineered to track small and fast-moving objects at extended ranges, even in harsh maritime conditions, enhancing situational awareness for coastal defense and maritime security operations.

Saab emphasizes that the system is software-based, allowing for continuous upgrades and high levels of automation. This software-driven approach ensures that users benefit from evolving capabilities and threat detection improvements while maintaining a cost-efficient lifecycle with minimal maintenance requirements. The radar’s modularity also reduces logistical complexity, making it an adaptable solution for a wide range of coastal defense applications.

Heléne Bittmann, Saab’s UAE managing director, highlights the significance of launching the system in the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of secure maritime navigation in the region. She notes that the Coast Control Radar provides nations with a highly effective means of monitoring key economic lifelines while contributing to the safety and security of those who rely on them for trade and transport.

The Middle East’s strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, facilitate a significant portion of global energy and trade, with large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas passing through these routes. Political instability in the region, particularly in Yemen, has contributed to security challenges, with non-state actors exploiting gaps in maritime control to disrupt shipping. Saab’s newly launched Coast Control Radar provides surveillance capabilities designed to monitor maritime activity in such areas. Its capacity to detect and track small, fast-moving vessels enables continuous observation of maritime traffic, supporting efforts to maintain navigation security and response readiness.

The Coast Control Radar is developed at Saab’s research and development facility in Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi. This facility represents Saab’s long-term commitment to investing in the UAE’s defense and security sector. Saab’s presence in the UAE dates back to the 1980s, and in 2018, the company established a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to research, development, and production of advanced defense and security solutions. The facility serves as a key hub for technology development, contributes to the growth of the local supply chain, and promotes employment opportunities for Emirati professionals, strengthening the region’s defense industry.