AAD 2012: Saab Continues Commitment to SA

Saab is investing R&D funding into its South African division, including improving the sensor capability of its Land Electronics Defence System (LEDS) for combat vehicles.

Magnus Lewis-Olsson, president of Saab South Africa, told a media briefing during the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition on 20 September that the LEDS-50 Mk 1 laser warning systems is 'the pride and joy of the research we do in South Africa'.

He said it is nearing completion, and during AAD Saab announced that the LWS-310 Mk2 sensor has recently been added to the system, which provides an increase in detection sensitivity. This allows it to detect the guidance energy of the latest generation of laser beam rider missiles at ranges over several kilometres.

'This gives the system the ability to rapidly deploy multi-spectral screening solutions, and give warning to the crew in sufficient time,' a Saab statement explained. Improvements have also been made to the angular accuracy of the system.

'With the LEDS you should be able to put less armour on the vehicle; it provides more digital protection,' Lewis-Olsson explained. 'It looks like science fiction. We're hoping this is going to be a major player. 'The operations we have in South Africa are rather large,' he added. 'Our biggest business outside of Sweden is in South Africa; sub-saharan Africa has growing economies and needs.'

He said that another key product Saab is trying to offer to the continent is the Maritime Security Aircraft (MSA): 'The idea with this is to have a more affordable approach to maritime surveillance.' It is based on COTS technology, with Saab adding the sensor system. The platform was displayed to the African market for the first time at AAD.

It can carry out long endurance flights using its onboard mission management system. This includes datalinks, optical sensors, SATCOM and radar.

Meanwhile on display was the South African Air Force's (SAAF's) Gripen fighter aircraft.

Lewis-Olsson said all 26 have been delivered, and the SAAF's versions are 'the most modern in the world'. The reconnaissance pod that is integrated is different to other Gripen pods, and has an integrated HMD system- the first in the world to have this.

'It is like delivering a computer...we will continue to deliver software upgrades,' Lewis-Olsson added. 'The idea has always been to do continuous updates.'

For the next generation variant of the Gripen, the E/F, Saab is looking at adding AEW and AESA capability, he explained.