The Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency has signed a contract with Thales for the delivery of seven Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission/Compact (GM200 MM/C) medium-range radars, with two additional systems as an option, Thales announced on 15 April 2024.
The contract follows on from a previous order for nine GM200 MM/C radars placed in 2019.
Designed for modern multi-mission warfare, the GM200 MM/C is claimed by Thales to be one of most flexible radars on the market today, offering radar operators more ‘time on target’ in order to gather as much information on incoming threats as possible.
The system, which has a range of up to 400 km, features new-generation 4D active electronically scanned-array (AESA) technology and unique ‘dual-axis multi-beam’ technology, providing unrestricted flexibility in elevation and bearing.
The GM200 MM/C automatically provides simultaneous detection, tracking and classification of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); rocket, artillery and mortar (RAM) threats; missiles; and fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and is particularly suited to weapon locating, air surveillance and air defence. In addition, the compact design of the system, according to Thales, provides extremely high mobility, very short deployment times and ease of transportation on any platform according to the environment in which it will operate.
The GM200 MM/C was developed in close co-operation with the Dutch armed forces, which recently received their first example of the system. In Dutch service the GM200 MM/C is placed on a Scania Gryphus truck, giving it a high degree of tactical mobility. Upon arrival at an operating location, the GM200 MM/C can be operational within a minute and be withdrawn just as fast, Thales states.
“The Dutch ministry of Defence has great confidence in the capabilities of this new radar,” Jarno Ursum, project manager at COMMIT, was quoted as saying in a Thales press release. “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, added, “We greatly appreciate that the Royal Dutch Armed Forces confirmed their trust in the GM200 MM/C by acquiring seven 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.”
