SEA 1180 Phase 1 OPVs will replace and improve upon the capability delivered by the 13 Armidale Class Patrol Boats by acquiring 12 new vessels, which will be known as the Arafura Class when they enter service from 2022. 

Prime contractor for the SEA 1180 program Lürssen Australia awarded Saab the contract for the situational awareness system in April 2018, as Saab previously announced. 

Anders Carp, head of Saab business area surveillance, said, "With the latest addition to our laser offer, Vidar, we meet the market’s demand for a laser rangefinder with optimal balance between size and cutting-edge performance."

The Vidar advanced laser rangefinder is designed primarily for anti-aircraft operations as an integral part of a weapon system or surveillance system. The laser is designed with state-of-the-art diode pumped solid-state technology and features user-friendly interfaces.

The Vidar system is compact and suitable for applications within naval or army systems.

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"It is in production and will be delivered for Australia’s new Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels as a part of the 9LV-based situational awareness system," Carp added. 

Vidar is designed and verified to sustain long-term use in harsh environments where reliability is crucial. It is built up in a sealed and stable housing with external surface treatment for demanding conditions. 

The laser rangefinder has a range of up to 40 kilometres. Rangefinders like Vidar use a laser beam to measure the distance to the target, and Vidar can be used as an integral part of a surveillance or weapon system, for example in anti-aircraft and anti-ship operations. With its compact size and user-friendly interface, Vidar generates highly accurate tracking data even at long ranges.

Saab has been a manufacturer of military lasers since the early 1960s, with naval, airborne and army applications worldwide. Over the years, Saab has delivered more than 5,000 lasers to more than 30 countries.

Stephen Kuper

Steve has an extensive career across government, defence industry and advocacy, having previously worked for cabinet ministers at both Federal and State levels.