Ireland has signed a contract with the French defense procurement agency to acquire five radars from Thales, strengthening its airspace capabilities.
The systems covered are from Thales’ Ground Master (GM) radar family: four GM400α radars and one GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-one (MM/A) radar, with deliveries scheduled for next year.
Irish media first reported the development in September, without disclosing the particular radar systems involved in the deal.
“The GM400α and GM200 MM/A, fitted with our cutting-edge sensor technology, will be instrumental in providing the nation’s first fully Recognised Air Picture, thereby supporting Ireland’s national awareness, security and sovereignty,” said Martin Soegaard, Country Director of Thales Denmark, Ireland, Iceland & Baltics.
Ground Master Radar
Thales designed the long-range GM400α radar to fit into a 20-foot (6-meter) ISO container and equipped it with an integrated lifting system.
Capable of rapid deployment, the system has an update rate of six seconds.
The GM200 MM/A 4D active electronically scanned array radar is also housed in a single 20-foot shelter, alongside its mast and power generator unit, making it transportable on a truck.
It can be deployed for operations within 15 minutes and simultaneously detect and track targets from low to high altitudes.
Apart from Ireland, countries that have acquired or ordered the GM200 MM/A include Romania and Qatar.
