Thales has secured a follow-on order for seven Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact (GM200 MM/C) radars from the Dutch Ministry of Defence’s procurement agency, COMMIT. This order, with an option for two additional systems, comes after a successful initial acquisition of nine GM200 MM/C radars in 2019.
The press release emphasizes the GM200 MM/C’s ability to counter evolving threats on the modern battlefield. Featuring advanced 4D AESA technology and dual-axis multi-beam capabilities, the radar offers enhanced detection and tracking performance for faster, more agile targets. This translates to increased “time-on-target” for operators to effectively assess and respond to incoming threats.
The GM200 MM/C is designed for versatility in modern warfare. The system excels at detecting and tracking a wide range of threats, including drones (UAVs), missiles, various aircraft types, and artillery fire. This makes it suitable for air defense missions (VSHORAD/SHORAD and GBAD), weapon location, and air surveillance tasks.
A key selling point of the GM200 MM/C is its compact design and high mobility. This allows for easy transportation on various platforms and rapid deployment in the field. In the Dutch configuration, the radar is mounted on a Scania Gryphus truck, enabling operational readiness within a minute of arrival at the designated location.
Thales highlights its successful collaboration with the Dutch army in developing the GM200 MM/C to meet their specific operational needs. Jarno Ursum, project manager at COMMIT, is quoted as saying: “The Dutch ministry of Defence has great confidence in the capabilities of this new radar. With this additional procurement we continue the strong cooperation with Thales that has been basis for the development of this radar.”
Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales Netherlands, further emphasizes the positive relationship: “We greatly appreciate that the Royal Dutch Armed forces confirmed their trust in the GM200 MM/C by acquiring 7 more systems, with two in option. Thales is proud to support the safety and security of military personnel, and to contribute to the air sovereignty of European NATO nations.”
The GM200 MM/C is part of the Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission family of radars. This family offers two variants: the compact GM200 MM/C, ideal for rapid deployment and specific missions like Counter Battery and Weapon Locating, and the all-in-one GM200 MM/A, suited for air surveillance and GBAD operations. Both versions prioritize network connectivity for remote operations and boast user-friendly interfaces to minimize training and operational time.
The core of the GM200 MM/C’s performance lies in Thales’ scalable 4D AESA radar technology. This fully digital and software-defined architecture allows for future upgrades throughout the system’s lifecycle, ensuring its continued effectiveness against evolving threats and enhanced tracking/classification capabilities.
This news signifies Thales’ continued success in the ground radar market and the Dutch military’s growing reliance on the GM200 MM/C system for its air defense and battlefield awareness needs.
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