Sweden uses Saab to modernize air defense systems LINKOPING, Sweden, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration has given a $94.7 million contract to Saab to upgrade the country's ground-based air defense system. Delivery of upgraded existing air defense systems, as well as new ones, is included in the order, which will be completed by 2017. "Saab will deliver the system integration and the integration of the command and control systems into the ground based anti-aircraft defense systems, based on our solid and well established Giraffe radar systems," said Micael Johansson, head of Saab's Electronic Defense Systems business area. This order strengthens Saab's position in the field of ground based air defense, in Sweden as well as internationally. Saab said the updates and new systems will feature command units which can be coordinated with NATO's Link 16 tactical data link communication systems, combat management terminals, as well as an upgrade of existing radar and command units. They will also feature functions for planning, evaluation and simulation.