Defence and security company Saab has received an order for helicopter self-protection and electronic intelligence systems worth around SEK 100 Million (ZAR 130 Million) from AgustaWestland Ltd.

“This contract strengthens our relationship as a key supplier to AgustaWestland and shows our ability to design and develop highly competitive Electronic Warfare self-protection and Electronic Intelligence systems. That AgustaWestland has selected us for the supply of this highly integrated self-protection and electronic intelligence system is a great proof of its capability”, said Micael Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Electronic Defence Systems.

This is a configuration where the Electronic Surveillance Payload (ESP) is integrated with the IDAS system (Integrated Defensive Aids Suite). This enhances the capability of the system to perform high accuracy direction finding and emitter location.

Development and production takes place at Saab in Centurion, South Africa (Saab Grintek Defence), and in Järfälla, Sweden. Deliveries are scheduled for 2013-2015.

Saab’s family of Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) are ideally suited to enhance the survivability of aircraft in sophisticated, diverse and dense threat environments, by providing a multi-sensor warning system including radar warning, laser warning and missile approach warning; integrated with the lightweight pyrotechnic dispensing system (BOP/L). The Electronic Surveillance Payload (ESP) is ideal for helicopter applications where a highly capable but compact light weight Electronic Intelligence system is required.

IDAS systems protect many diverse platforms including Saab 2000, AgustaWestland A109, A129, AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300, Boeing CH-47 Chinook, Denel Rooivalk, Denel Oryx, Eurocopter Puma & Super Puma, Eurocopter Cougar, NH Industries NH90, Lockheed Martin C-130B, H and L100, Su-30MKM and deliveries are ongoing for Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv.