Thales to supply to Dutch Ministry of Defence

Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT), the Dutch military procurement organisation, has signed an agreement for the acquisition of seven additional Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars (GM200 MM/C), with an option of two additional systems. The contract follows nine GM 200 MM/C radars previously ordered in 2019.

Troops today face a multitude of ever-evolving threats on the battlefield, including advancements in the area of indirect fire (observation, range, speed, accuracy), threatening a radar’s capacity to detect targets in a very short period while potentially becoming a target itself. To protect high-value assets and troops, Thales offers time-on-target solutions from the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission family – radars that can detect smaller, faster, more agile targets at longer ranges, while retaining very high tactical mobility and a very short deployment time

The most flexible radar on the market

Designed for modern multi-mission warfare, the GM200 MM/C is one of the most flexible radars on the market today, offering radar operators with more time on target to gather as much information on incoming threats as possible. Featuring new-generation 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology and unique ‘dual-axis multi-beam’ technology, providing unrestricted flexibility in elevation and bearing, it offers excellent theatre protection.

Detection of drones, missiles and aircraft

The radar automatically provides simultaneous detection, tracking and classification of multiple UAVs, RAM (Rockets, Artillery and Mortar), missiles, aircraft and helicopters and is particularly suited to weapon locating, air surveillance and air defence. In addition, the compact design of the GM200 MM/C provides extremely high mobility, very short deployment times and ease of transportation on any platform according to the environment it will be in operation.

For the Dutch Forces the radar system is placed on a vehicle, the Scania Gryphus truck, thanks to fast encamp, and decamp times, the radar is highly tactical and mobile. Upon arrival at the destination, the GM200 MM/C can be operational within a minute and be gone just as fast.

Product launch and presentation

Thales launched the first of the series GM200 MM/C last month to the Dutch Ministry of Defence. Its success relies in part on its strong design, created in close cooperation with the Dutch army. Their field expertise and Thales’ world-class engineering ensures that the radar fits all the operational needs of a modern military force. The system, closely developed with the Dutch Army, offers an answer to both traditional and new threats, including drones. Fast and early detection is key to staying ahead and protecting sovereignty and valuable assets, enabled through a range of up to 400 kilometres.

    Jarno Ursum project manager at COMMIT: “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: "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.” ​