The BAMSE system is one of few systems in the world today that is developed and optimised as a dedicated Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) missile system.
BAMSE is designed for flexible usage both for stand-alone operation as well as in networks with other sensors and weapon systems. The philosophy is to optimise system effect by having a number of fully co-ordinated firing units that together create a ground coverage for the system of more than 2,100 km2 and an effective altitude coverage of 15,000 m.
The BAMSE system has excellent built-in ECCM capabilities both in the GIRAFFE AMB surveillance radar and the unique monopulse Fire Control Radar (FCR) Automatic Command to Line Of Sight (ACLOS) missile guidance function.

The Saab BAMSE SR-SAM On Ashok Leyland Truck
Unique coverage
Long-range/high-altitude surveillance is no match for Bamse, which provides a large protected volume to high altitude
Features
The all-target, all-weather Bamse system is designed to counter modern threats, which besides bombers and fighter-bombers, also includes stand-off weapons, UAVs and other small targets that will constitute ever greater threats in the future. The Bamse system combines modern advanced technology and the company’s more than 50 years’ experience in air-defence systems, missiles and radars, into a powerful and cost-effective air-defence system.
Unique capabilities
- 24-hour, all-weather capability in ECM environment
- Long-range/high-altitude surveillance
- Large protected volume to high altitude
- Accurate 3D target designation from radar
- Optimised C4I Network function
Fast and lethal
- Very short reaction and engagement times
- All missiles reloaded in less than 5 min (1 missile reloaded in 1 min)
- High detection and kill probability against targets ranging from large transport aircraft, fighter-bombers and UAVs to air-to-ground missiles and stealth-type targets (low radar signature)
- High capability against multiple attacks
- High level of tactical and strategic mobility
Efficient support and operation
- Embedded simulators for easy handling and training
- Operation with a minimum of qualified personnel
- Minimised logistical support
- Long serviceable life with low life-cycle cost, with a missile life exceeding 30 years
- High redundancy
GIRAFFE AMB
Frequency | 5.4 – 5.9 GHz, C-band |
Instrumented ranges | 120 km |
Full elevation coverage | >70º |
Altitude coverage | 20,000 m (>60 kft) |
Antenna | 3D phased array, digital beam forming, IFF Integrated back-to-back |
Bamse Fire-Control Radar (FCR)
FCR frequency | 34 – 35 GHz, Ka-band |
Radar type | Pulse-doppler monopulse |
Pulse-doppler monopulse | <100 W |
Antenna lobe (circular beam width) | <1° lobe |
Function | Target and missile tracking |
FCR instrumented range | 30 km |
Bamse Missile
Range | Out to 20 km |
Effective altitude coverage | 15,000 m |
Guidance | Automatic Command to Line of Sight (ACLOS) |
Missile commands | Transmitted by FCR |
Warhead | Fragmentation and shaped charge |
Fuze | Proximity and impact fuze |
Target types | Fighters, bombers and transport aircraft combat and transport helicopters, stand-off weapons and guided bombs |
Ready-to-fire missiles on MCC | Six missiles |
BAMSE
The BAMSE system is a state of the art system with several unique capabilities. The BAMSE system has extensive Built in Test Equipment (BITE), which minimises the need for special test equipment. The BAMSE system is also developed to have high redundancy where every single missile launcher has the capability to combat targets without any connection to an external information source or higher command.
The BAMSE system has unique high altitude coverage and is effective with maintained high missile manoeuvrability at 15,000 m altitude. Every single missile launcher has C2 capabilities.
The BAMSE system has the possibility to have integrated IFF on every missile launcher in order to further strengthen the possibility to act as autonomous units, if necessary.
The system has been specially developed to combat small and fast targets as well as low flying cruise missiles and UAVs.
Source: saab.com/land/weapon-systems/conworld.wikia.com