Sweden’s Saab Wins Coastal Surveillance Contract in India

Saab recently anounced a SEK 116 million (about $16.6 million) coastal surveillance contract in India, which has focused much more intently on this area since the Mumbai terror attack from Pakistan. India is pursuing a number of avenues, from security procedures and control improvements, to plans to upgrade coastal radar coverage, to possible Navy buys of Israeli aerostats. Saab’s system appears to include both civilian and military applications, with a wide range of customers that includes India’s Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships, Directorate General of Shipping, Coast Guard, and Navy. It includes sensors (usually radar, but can sometimes involve long-range cameras in key areas), and equipment for regional and national control centers. Saab’s Indian partner is Elcome Marine Services, and the system is scheduled to be in place within 18 months. The contract also contains undisclosed future options.