Overview of the Coast Control Radar
At the Abu Dhabi defense show IDEX 2025, Sweden’s Saab introduced its latest innovation, the Coast Control Radar, developed in collaboration with the United Arab Emirates through the Tawazun Industrial Park. This advanced radar system represents a leap in maritime security technology, tailored to meet the specific needs of the UAE.
Key Features and Benefits
The Coast Control Radar is a static, non-rotating system utilizing phased-array software, which offers significant advantages including low maintenance requirements. Heléne Bittmann, managing director of Saab UAE, emphasized that this innovative design is pivotal in advancing radar technology to the next generation.
The primary function of the radar is to safeguard territorial waters and detect smaller vessels, especially critical in light of increasing maritime security concerns in the Middle East. Given the ongoing threats to shipping lanes in areas such as the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, the radar system aims to enhance the UAE’s coastal defense capabilities.
Importance of Indigenous Defense Capabilities
Bittmann noted the significance of indigenous defense systems for the UAE, highlighting the importance of self-sufficiency in securing national interests and ensuring public safety. Saab UAE is engaged in ongoing collaboration with Tawazun, the governmental body overseeing procurement and development, to align its offerings with the UAE’s strategic vision for security and defense.
Design and Integration
Saab’s Coast Control Radar has been designed for seamless integration into existing infrastructure, such as buildings, towers, and waterway bridges. Its modular architecture facilitates flexible installation and provides comprehensive 360-degree coverage. Additionally, the radar system supports routine software upgrades, ensuring long-term performance and enhanced detection capabilities.
Previous Developments and Future Ambitions
The Coast Control Radar marks the second product developed by Saab in the UAE, utilizing Emirati intellectual property. The first product, DeployNet, is a portable 5G network solution that can be deployed to provide connectivity in remote and rural areas. Both systems were showcased at Saab’s exhibition at IDEX 2025.
Highlighting the global demand for such maritime radar systems, Bittmann expressed confidence in Saab UAE’s growth potential, stating the company’s commitment to investing in the region’s defense capabilities. Saab’s next five-year plan aims to focus on expanding sensor software and radar technologies to further enhance its offerings.
Conclusion
Saab’s unveiling of the Coast Control Radar at IDEX 2025 underscores its dedication to addressing the evolving security needs of the UAE and broader region. With its innovative design and native development, the radar system represents a significant step towards strengthening maritime defense and securing vital waterways, reinforcing Saab’s commitment to long-term investment and collaboration within the UAE.
