The Dutch Ministry of Defence is bolstering its air surveillance capabilities through the acquisition of seven additional Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars (GM200 MM/C) from Thales, a prominent French defense company. This procurement, facilitated by the Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) of the Dutch military, marks a significant step forward, complementing the previous purchase of nine systems in 2019 and underscoring the enduring partnership between Thales and the Dutch Armed Forces. Mounted on the Scania Gryphus truck, the GM200 MM/C radars enjoy enhanced tactical mobility, enabling rapid deployment and operational readiness within minutes of arrival at a designated location. Such agility is invaluable in contemporary warfare scenarios, where the ability to swiftly adapt and respond to evolving threats is essential.
“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,” Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales Netherlands said.
“With this additional procurement, we continue the strong cooperation with Thales that has been the basis for the development of this radar,” Jarno Ursum, project manager at COMMIT, said.
The Ground Master 200 (GM200) stands as a medium-range AESA 3D radar engineered by Thales Group. Versatile in its functionality, the GM200 can serve as an independent air surveillance radar or integrate seamlessly as the sensor module of an air defense system. Notably, the GM200 also boasts a surface channel and a Rocket/Artillery/Mortar sense and warn capability. Designed to confront the complexities of modern warfare, the GM200 MM/C excels in detecting, tracking, and classifying diverse targets such as UAVs, missiles, and aircraft with remarkable speed and accuracy. Its 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology coupled with dual-axis multi-beam capabilities ensures unrestricted surveillance flexibility, a critical asset in safeguarding military assets and personnel.
Belonging to the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission family, which encompasses both the compact GM200 MM/C and the all-in-one GM200 MM/A, these radar systems epitomize the pinnacle of radar technology. The compact design of the GM200 Multi-Mission/C offers exceptional mobility, rapid deployment times, and ease of transportation, enhancing operational efficiency. At its core lies the Thales 4D AESA family (NS50, NS100, NS200, SM400, SMART-L MM, Ground Fire, Sea Fire), a software-defined radar system with upgrade potential across its entire lifecycle. Characterized by high mobility and swift deployment capabilities, these systems are indispensable in modern military operations where agility and responsiveness are paramount.
