Saab’s advanced UK manufacturing facility opened

Above: (centre, left to right) Saab CEO Micael Johansson and the UK Secretary of State Business & Trade Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, tour Saab’s new UK facility.
Courtesy Saab

Saab UK celebrated the official opening of its new state-of-the-art, three-building campus on 4th February, 2025. The site is developing, manufacturing and supporting Saab’s radar systems and market-leading Seaeye underwater robotics portfolio. This includes the 3D multimission radar, Giraffe 1X and the all-electric subsea remotely operated vehicle, Seaeye SR20.

The opening marks the conclusion of the investment pledged by Saab in 2023. The site supports up to 400 jobs and provides local opportunities for apprenticeships. It enhances the UK’s sovereign radar and underwater robotics manufacturing capabilities, serving both domestic customers and international export markets, with capacity for further growth.

Saab’s new campus is expected to significantly benefit the UK Ministry of Defence. The site is a centre of excellence ready to meet future customer radar requirements and servicing, in addition to supporting in-service radars operated by the UK Armed Forces, the Giraffe 1X, Giraffe AMB air defence radars and TAIPAN (Arthur) artillery locating radars.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, said: “This new campus is testament to Saab’s growth in the UK, reinforcing our long-term commitment to the UK’s defence. Thanks to our investment here we will deliver innovative technologies and products for our customers. We are pleased to have the Secretary of State for Business and Trade join us today to mark this important occasion and to underline the important relationship between Saab and the UK.”

Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, said: “Following the Government’s pledge to go further and faster to grow the economy, this is another vote of confidence in the UK, our world-class defence sector, and our upcoming Industrial Strategy. Saab’s investment in Hampshire has brought a major boost to local communities with hundreds of new high-paid, high-skilled jobs and is exactly the sort of growth our pro-business, pro-growth Industrial Strategy will support.”

Rt Hon John Healey MP, Secretary of State for Defence, said: “This major investment has demonstrated how defence is an engine for growth. Saab’s new facility strengthens manufacturing and support for the radars that help protect our Armed Forces, having created highly skilled jobs while driving innovation. With promising apprenticeship opportunities, this site is helping to drive the jobs of the future – ensuring the next generation has the expertise to keep Britain at the forefront of defence technology.”