Sweden Saab to Integrate VIDAR Laser Rangefinders to Boost Fire Control of Danish Navy Frigates.

According to information published by the Lumibird Group on June 24, 2025, its Swedish subsidiary, Lumibird Photonics Sweden AB, has secured a new contract from Saab to deliver 57 VIDAR laser rangefinders to the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO). These high-performance systems will be integrated into the CEROS fire control systems aboard Royal Danish Navy frigates, strengthening the fleet’s precision targeting and engagement capabilities. Deliveries of the VIDAR units are scheduled between 2025 and 2026, reinforcing Lumibird’s strategic position within the European defense supply chain.
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VIDAR laser rangefinder by Lumibird to be integrated by Saab into advanced naval fire control systems for Danish Navy frigates enhancing long-range targeting precision in maritime operations. (Picture source: Wikimedia)

The VIDAR rangefinder, developed and manufactured in Gothenburg, Sweden, leverages diode-pumped erbium-glass laser technology to achieve a compact, rugged, and eye-safe design ideal for deployment in harsh maritime environments. Originally fielded in land and airborne systems, its adoption for naval use underscores the technology’s adaptability and reliability. When integrated with the CEROS fire control system, VIDAR significantly enhances targeting accuracy by providing real-time distance measurements to potential threats. This capability is vital for modern naval warfare, where ships must identify, track, and engage fast-moving targets, including drones and small surface vessels, often under complex operational conditions.

The CEROS (Compact Electromagnetic Remotely Operated Sensor) fire control system, developed by Saab, is an advanced tracking and engagement solution that combines radar and electro-optical sensors to provide continuous target tracking and designation. CEROS is capable of directing naval guns and missile systems with high precision and is designed to maintain accurate fire control in dense threat environments. By integrating the VIDAR laser rangefinder into CEROS, the Royal Danish Navy gains a critical capability boost, ensuring faster threat acquisition and more precise weapon deployment even against agile and low-signature targets.

VIDAR’s key strength lies in its low Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) profile, making it especially suited for both naval and anti-aircraft systems. It delivers excellent performance with a maximum range of up to 40 kilometers and a pulse repetition rate of up to 12.5 pulses per second. These characteristics enable it to deliver high-frequency range updates crucial for tracking fast aerial or surface threats. Certified as a true class 1M eye-safe laser, VIDAR also facilitates safe and unrestricted usage during peacetime training exercises. The system is enclosed in a sealed, surface-treated housing engineered to endure long-term deployment in demanding operational environments, from salt-laden maritime climates to extreme temperatures on land.

Laser rangefinders such as VIDAR play a critical role in the combat systems of surface combatants. By emitting laser pulses and measuring the time it takes for them to return from a target, these devices offer precise range data that feed directly into fire control solutions. This enables shipborne weapon systems to accurately engage threats at varying distances with minimal delay. The use of eye-safe laser technologies also ensures operational safety for onboard personnel and other vessels operating in proximity. Their compact form factor and robust design allow seamless integration on space-constrained naval platforms without compromising performance.

This contract follows closely on the heels of another recent success for Lumibird, with Rheinmetall Air Defence selecting VIDAR for integration into the Skyranger 30 mobile air defense system. These consecutive contracts reflect a growing trend toward the adoption of VIDAR as a European standard in laser rangefinding for both land and maritime platforms. Carina Harnesk, CEO of Lumibird Photonics Sweden, highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration with Saab and expressed confidence in expanding VIDAR’s user base across allied defense forces. Marc Le Flohic, CEO of the Lumibird Group, emphasized the role of VIDAR in bolstering NATO maritime capabilities and reaffirmed Lumibird’s commitment to delivering sovereign, high-performance photonic systems.

As a recognized European leader in laser and photonics technologies, the Lumibird Group operates across defense, aerospace, medical, and industrial sectors. Its defense division is particularly known for delivering mission-critical optical systems, including laser rangefinders and target designators, tailored for modern military requirements. This new milestone with Saab and DALO confirms Lumibird’s growing influence in the European defense ecosystem and underscores the strategic value of advanced photonics solutions in next-generation warfare.