Strengthening Ireland’s airspace surveillance
The radars will strengthen the recognised air picture available to the Irish Defence Forces. Thales said they would support Ireland’s airspace sovereignty, national security and situational awareness.
Martin Soegaard, Thales country director for Denmark, Ireland, Iceland and the Baltics, said the systems would provide the country’s first fully recognised air picture. “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.”
Ground Master 400 Alpha: long-range surveillance
The GM400 Alpha is a long-range radar with a six-second update rate. Thales said its processing and tracking capabilities allow it to track targets in dense clutter.
The system is designed to fit into a 20-foot ISO container. An integrated lifting system supports rapid deployment.
Ground Master 200: deployment in 15 minutes
The GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-one simultaneously detects and tracks targets from low to high altitudes. Its radar, mast and power generator are housed in a single 20-foot shelter.
The system can be transported by truck and deployed for operations in 15 minutes. Thales said its transportability and rapid deployment support survivability.
“We are honoured to support Ireland in strengthening its airspace sovereignty through the delivery of our GM400α and GM200 MM/A radars,” said Eric Huber, Thales vice president for Surface Radars. “These cutting-edge systems embody Thales’ commitment to providing modular, interoperable and rapidly deployable solutions for air defence.”
Deliveries scheduled to start in 2027
Thales attributed the planned delivery schedule to its industrial production ramp-up and short lead times. The company said more than 300 radars from the Ground Master family have been sold in over 40 countries.
