Spain has signed a $57 million modernization contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to upgrade its Saab Arthur artillery locating radars. The Swedish defense company Saab will lead the program, enhancing detection range, accuracy, and survivability to strengthen Spain’s counter-battery capabilities within NATO’s integrated defense framework.
Announced on October 20, 2025, the agreement will extend the operational life of the Spanish Army’s Arthur radar fleet. Saab highlighted that this is the first time one of its radar orders has been processed through NSPA, marking a growing trend toward collaborative European defense procurement. The modernization will deliver “high mobility and precise counter-battery performance,” allowing the system to detect more targets at greater distances while reducing its own radar signature.
The Arthur system operates in the C-band with a passive electronically scanned array, capable of tracking enemy artillery, rockets, and mortars up to 50 km away. It provides rapid counter-battery targeting and early warning for frontline forces, significantly improving battlefield survivability.
While Saab did not disclose specific component upgrades, the package reportedly includes new processing units, refined tracking algorithms, and improved emission control. These enhancements enable faster target acquisition, better detection of low-signature projectiles, and greater resilience in contested electromagnetic environments.
With these upgrades, the Spanish Army will gain faster target-to-fire coordination, enabling artillery units to engage enemy batteries before they can relocate. The radar’s mobility and reduced emissions also improve survivability against enemy counter-radar systems. Integrated through NATO’s C4ISR networks, the modernized Arthur radars will support joint fires coordination across allied forces.
This modernization aligns with Europe’s broader rearmament trend, driven by lessons from recent conflicts emphasizing the dominance of artillery and the need for advanced counter-battery protection. Saab’s role as prime contractor reinforces its position as a key supplier of multi-mission radar systems, following recent deliveries of the Arthur Mod D “Taipan” to the UK in 2024. Spain’s decision to modernize instead of replace its radar systems reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining proven capabilities while European industry scales up production for next-generation sensors.
