Sweden Acquires Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact Radar

Sweden has signed an agreement with Thales to procure the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radar (GM200 MM/C).

Under a contract valued at 1 billion Swedish kronor ($93 million), the first deliveries are scheduled for 2026.

The GM200 MM/C medium-range radar is set to strengthen the Swedish Armed Forces’ air and surface surveillance capabilities, replacing the country’s outdated PS-871 radar system.

Per Schylström, project manager for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, emphasized that the system allows for rapid deployment, enabling quicker reinforcement of radar coverage in prioritized areas.

Features

The GM200 MM/C offers a range of up to 400 kilometers (248 miles) for air surveillance and defense missions, providing extensive coverage to detect and track airborne threats while supporting simultaneous weapon locating and fire support operations.

The radar can classify various aerial targets, including drones, conventional aircraft, and cruise missiles.

During ground operations, it also tracks incoming ground-based fire, such as rockets, artillery, and mortars.

Additionally, the system provides early warning, determines the point of origin and impact, and assists with target engagement assessment.

Bolstering Defense

Amid rising security concerns in Europe following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Scandinavian country ended two centuries of military non-alignment and joined NATO in March 2024.

Building on this shift, Sweden announced a $30-billion defense spending plan last month, marking Stockholm’s largest rearmament effort since the Cold War.

The measure aims to increase the country’s military budget to 3.5 percent of GDP by 2030, up from the current 2.4 percent.