Development GM200 together with operational experts Royal Netherlands Army

In a rapidly changing world, the need for information dominance is more important than ever for the effective and efficient completion of global peacekeeping and crisis management operations. A modern radar system, also known as the eyes and ears of the armed forces, is indispensable. Soldiers know and experience the importance of a timely warning. The importance of early detection and the possible counter measures against a firing location during a mission are of vital importance. The operational need to have radar solutions that can detect, track and classify incoming threats in a timely manner is critical.

In response to these threats, operational experts from the Royal Netherlands Army and Thales developed the GM200 MM / C (Multi Mission Radar / MMR). This radar system is deployed by the Fire Support Command and the Defence Ground-Based Air Defence Command. The radars can be used (simultaneously) for a large number of tasks such as C-RAM detection, Counter Battery Fire, 3D airspace surveillance and air defence. The system is able to automatically detect, track and recognize (classify) a large number of simultaneously incoming targets (such as RAM, UAVs, helis and fighters). Due to the high accuracy, the system can even distinguish individual projectiles within a burst.

By applying the most modern technologies, the system is easy to operate and works largely autonomously. The flexible (standard ISO container) MMR system can be deployed quickly and is operational within two minutes after taking position. Due to the aforementioned standard ISO, the MMR can be transported with various vehicles. The system is compact enough to be transported with a standard truck or even on a Boxer (Tactically mobile); and it also fits in an A400M transport device (Strategically mobile).

The GM200 MM / C is the latest version of the Thales 4D AESA radar family, that includes the SMART-L-MM long range radar, which is operationally in use by both the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

This article was originally written and published by the ‘Vereniging Officieren Artillerie’ (VOA). Click here for the original article (in Dutch).