Europe’s eastern flank moves on air defence radars with wider efforts also underway
Romania has ordered Thales GM200 MM/A radars. (Photo: Thales)
Air defence radars have become more important assets in the past year with incursions in NATO countries on Europe’s eastern flank highlighting the need.
Defending air space on Europe’s eastern flank has become a priority in response to rising threat levels and drone incursions, as reflected by recent increased spending on air defence radar capabilities. A parallel effort is also occurring on Europe’s western-most point with Ireland expected to receive systems this year, although this is driven by the country’s current lack of capabilities in this domain rather than an immediate threat.
Recent deals include Romania’s order of 12 Thales GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-one (GM200 MM/A) radars on 22 July, which came just days before incursions by aircraft were reported in Romanian airspace; and Latvia’s announcement in mid-July that it
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search]()
UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search
The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.
-
![New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement]()
New teams form to compete for British Army Land Rover replacement
The UK’s Land Mobility Programme Light Mobility Vehicle requirement is designed to replace the British Army’s ageing fleet of Land Rovers with a vehicle with a Gross Vehicular Mass of less than 3,500kg. It could be for as many as 6,000 vehicles.
-
![FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence]()
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
-
![Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance]()
Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance
After decades of force reductions as artillery was deprioritised, Europe is now undergoing an artillery renaissance as governments across the continent scramble to invest in new capabilities in response to the war in Ukraine.
-
![“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences]()
“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences
Small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have transformed the battlespace, posing a complex threat across all domains. Militaries now need counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities that defeat the danger while meeting demands around readiness, manoeuvrability and adaptability, according to Mike Spina, Director, Global Sales and Business Development for Targeting and Sensor Systems (TSS) at L3Harris Technologies.
