Air and Surface Search Radar for 2 Philippine Navy Del Pillar Class Frigate had Arrived

The Saab AN/SPS-77 Sea Giraffe air/surface search 3D radar already delivered to the Philippine Navy and it will be installed to the 2 Del Pilar Class Frigate namely BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz. This news came across to Max defense Philippines Facebook page, which is popularly known as a credible source of information and defense analysis for the Modernization effort of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The radar has acquired through United States Foreign Military Sales, which is part of the US defense assistance to the Philippines under former US Ex-President Obama's Southeast Asia Maritime Security Imitative.

According to Maxdefense, "No schedule of installation was made available to MaxDefense yet, but it is possible that the installation will coincide with the installation of Mk.38 Mod.2/3 guns for the ships, 2 of which were delivered several months ago and was intended for BRP Gregorio del Pilar (FF-15)."

16 January 2014, the US Navy designate the Saab's Sea Giraffe AMB radar system into AN/SPS-77 (V)1. The radar is then integrate to the USS Independence and other ships of the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Independence variant program

The AN/SPS-77 is a multi-role medium-range 3D surveillance radar system for naval applications. It provides medium range, simultaneous air and surface search surveillance and can be employed in a weapon designation role. The AN/SPS-77 is suitable for demanding naval environments from the littorals to blue-water operations.

Citing from Saab Media post, "Mr. Erik Smith Vice President of Sensor Systems Division within SDAS, sees the new designation of the radar as a key milestone in Saab’s growing support of the US Navy and the LCS program. “The AN/SPS 77 has proven to be the most capable and adaptable medium range multi-mission radar asset available to the LCS   program and future US maritime security platforms.  The radar system is able to efficiently incorporate new capabilities through Saab’s modular architecture and Rapid Technology Insertion process.”, the statement read.

Also, "Receiving this US Navy system designation means that Sea Giraffe is now formally acknowledged by the US Navy as part of the US Navy standard inventory. Saab is very proud to deliver this new and highly-advanced surveillance capability to the US Navy,” said Smith.

To date, the AN/SPS 77 has been installed on LCS 2 (USS Independence), LCS 4 (USS Coronado), and LCS 6 (USS Jackson). Five additional AN/SPS-77 radar systems are in various stages of manufacturing and test to meet LCS construction schedules with four more systems under contract to complete the current deliveries under the LCS Block Buy contract.