The Lithuanian Defence Material Agency has signed an agreement with Dutch procurement Agency COMMIT for the acquisition of Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact (GM200 MM/C) radars, the company announced on 3 January 2024.
The number of systems to be procured, along with the contract value, were not disclosed.
“Designed to address modern warfare’s challenges, the GM200 MM/C provides simultaneous accurate detection, tracking and classification against all current and future threats, including drones,” Thales noted in a press release. The system offers radar operators with more time-on-target to gather as much information on incoming threats as possible thanks to new-generation 4D active electronically scanned-array (AESA) technology. It automatically detects tracks, classifies aircraft, missiles, helicopters, multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as well as rocket, artillery and mortar (RAM) rounds and is particularly suited to weapon location and air defence.
“Cyber-secured by design, the GM200 MM/C also benefits from the latest software-defined radar technology, enabling future upgrades and capability expansion to manage the ever-evolving spectrum of changing threats and doctrines,” Thales stated. “Additionally, the compact design of the GM200 MM/C provides ease of choice from fixed-location mode to high-mobility, very short deployment times and ease of transportation on any platform.”
Lithuanian partner ELSIS will support Thales in the project, collaborating on vehicle integration part of the solution.
“Acquisition and delivery of [the GM200 MM/C] will be another step in strengthening the Lithuanian armed forces’ artillery capability,” Sigitas Dzekunskas, Director of the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence’s Defence Materiel Agency was quoted as saying in the Thales press release. “Moreover, the joint procurement provides a lot of opportunities for enhanced co-operation with NATO allies in the field of acquisition and support”, Dzekunskas added.
Gerben Edelijn, CEO Thales Netherlands, added, “This government-to-government contract between the Netherlands and Lithuania illustrates the strong European defence co-operation. We are proud to be a part of this collaboration between NATO countries, for which our GM200 MM/C will increase the safety and security of military personnel and high value assets.”
The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission family is the new generation of Thales’ medium-range ground radars, while the compact GM200 MM/C version is a palletised variant offering high tactical mobility and quick deployment, as well as specific mission roles such as artillery counter-battery and weapon-locating capabilities. It is also well suited to short-range and very-short-range air defence missions.
