“The purpose of these radars is to identify the positions of the enemy’s indirect fire systems based on the trajectory of fired projectiles and to ensure a rapid response to enemy fire,” said Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anuszauskas, as quoted in the ministry’s statement.
The Minister emphasized that “this is a very important purchase” and that “the radar systems will significantly strengthen the artillery capabilities” of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
The Defence Ministry highlights that the radars acquired by Lithuania are characterized by advanced solutions, which will provide military units with technological advantage and greater operational flexibility. The Thales GM200 MM/C systems have already been purchased by the armed forces of the Netherlands and Norway.
The radar purchase agreement also includes technical documentation, training for operators and maintenance technicians, an initial package of spare parts, a special set of tools, and testing equipment. The first radar systems are expected to be delivered to Lithuania in 2026.
The Defence Ministries of Lithuania and the Netherlands also foresee further cooperation. Possible participation of the Lithuanian defence industry in similar armament projects is being considered.
Thales Ground Master 200
The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission family (GM200 MM) is the new generation of Thales’ medium range ground radar including Thales 4D AESA technology. It benefits from Thales GM200 and NS100/200 technology background and many years fielded experience of more than 20 user groups.
The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission “compact” version (GM200 MM/C) is a pallet version offering high tactical mobility and quick deployment, as well as specific mission capabilities such as artillery Counter Battery and Weapon Locating. It also suits well Very Short-Range Air Defence and Short Range Air Defence (VSHOR/SHORAD) missions as its GM200 MM/A brother.
The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission “all in one” (GM200 MM/A) targeting mainly Air Surveillance, as well as Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) operations (up to low level Medium Range Air Defence – MRAD). It maintains the well-known GM200 integrated Command and Control shelter and facilitates space for the radar mast to gain elevation for low-level air surveillance and two operators on board.
Both Ground Master 200 Multi Mission radars are easy to transport, optimized for network centric remote operations, and ultimately save time in planning, training and operation.
Thales’ scalable and upgradable antenna architecture is the core of Thales’ medium- and long-range 4D AESA radar family (NS50, NS100/200, GM200 MM, SMART-L MM / F, Sea Fire and Ground Fire).The fully digital & software-defined 4D AESA radar technology offers upgrade capacity over the whole life cycle to permanently maintain the tailored operational capability against evolving threats, including enhanced tracking & classification performance.
