Iraq inaugurates second Groundmaster air defence radar
Screenshot from Iraqi MoD video showing the second GM403 radar to arrive in the country. (Image: Iraqi MoD)
Iraq intends to operate a network of GM400 Groundmaster-series radars for medium- and high-altitude air defence.
Iraq has received another GM400 Groundmaster-series ground-based air defence radar from Thales, as shown in a video released by the Iraqi MoD on 26 September.
Iraqi defence minister Jumaa Enad Saadoun inaugurated the S-band GM403 radar in a ceremony at a military base in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate.
The GM403 is the second GM400-series system to arrive in Iraq, although the MoD did not disclose when the previous one was delivered.
‘This system is one of several systems that will be installed and operated in Iraq to complete the process of detection and early warning of [aircraft at] hostile high and medium altitudes, and it is the fruit of the cornerstone that was laid earlier for the new main operations centre of the Air Defense Command,’ Saadoun said.
The network-enabled, digital and full-Doppler GM403 radar uses digital beamforming, generating stacked beams for maximum time on target.
Additionally, the phased-array antenna rotates once every six seconds.
Data from Shephard Defence Insight shows that the GM403 features an instrumented range of 470km, a minimum project detection range of 5km, a 100,000ft ceiling and a detection range for combat aircraft of 390km.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions]()
Europe commits to long-range fires but countries move in different directions
Sweden, Croatia and France are pursuing different rocket artillery solutions as European armies seek greater reach, survivability and industrial resilience.
-
![MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia]()
MAAF to test Britain’s shift from armour to distributed lethality in Estonia
The bilateral agreement between the UK and Estonia comes as both countries explore how dispersed troops, drones, digital targeting, anti-tank weapons and increasingly long-range fires can complement the combat mass traditionally provided by heavy armour.
-
![Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow]()
Polaris expands Arctic mobility offering as US military orders grow
The Military 850 Voyageur 155 Crossover has secured orders from the US Army, Air Force and Marine Corps, addressing demand for agile Arctic mobility with passenger, cargo and towing capacity.
-
![More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme]()
More bidders move onto starting grid for British Army Land Rover replacement programme
The Light Mobility Vehicle segment of the UK’s Land Mobility Programme for the British Army may actually be about to make progress, or at least likely bidders seem to think so. Shephard spoke with several contenders who revealed their views on how the army should replace the ageing fleet.
-
![Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System]()
Northrop Grumman pushing ahead with smaller Integrated Battle Command System
Northrop Grumman’s Integrated Battle Command System is in service with Polish forces and is being introduced to US forces, with further development underway on the original platform as well as a smaller, more mobile system.
