Recap of the GM200 MM/C Handover Days: what a success!

On Wednesday and Thursday last week, the Hand Over Days for the GM200 MM/C Multi-Mission radar took place. This event was the icing on the cake for the long-term collaboration between the Ministry of Defence, the Royal Netherlands Army and Thales, concerning the development of the Multi-Mission compact radar, which started 14 years ago.

Last Wednesday was dedicated to the so called Product Readiness and Launch of the first GM200 MM/C radar system that will go to the Netherlands Armed Forces. Over 150 guests from 20 countries and international press attended multiple presentations at our head office in Hengelo, that dove further into the production process, the test facilities and the necessity for the creation of this radar.

These presentations highlighted how this state-of-the-art radar system is technology harmonized with the challenges and opportunities that the military deals with in the present. It showed just how this system is the solution that meets the operational needs of the Armed Forces and the demands deranged from their challenges. “How fast can the radar move after transmitting?”, was one of the questions asked by the Netherlands Army during the first demonstration of its capabilities in Paris in 2022. The answer is: in less than one minute. The radar is also programmable, which means that the software can be updated throughout its entire lifecycle.

The special collaboration between the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Royal Netherlands Army and Thales Nederland was also highlighted on Wednesday:

It’s so special having you all here, as it reflects the special circumstances that we’re in. The radar system has been developed in close cooperation with experts from the Netherlands Army, who brought in the necessary operational experience for its development. Geert van der Molen, Vice President Sales Management

When the presentations were concluded, the GM200 MM/C was driven inside Hal-Z in a dashing way. Afterwards, the ribbon on the truck was cut and a miniature version of it was officially handed over to the Netherlands Armed Forces, to celebrate the completion of this first Multi-Mission radar system.

On Thursday, the second and last day of the Handover Days, the event continued with a live firing campaign at the Barracks of the Royal Netherlands Army. The audience was taken to six different locations on the premises, where the radar's capabilities were demonstrated live. Next to the Netherlands Armed Forces, we are also set to deliver the radar to Norway, Denmark and Lithuania, who have previously expressed their interest and signed contracts with us.