The first GM200 multi-mission compact radar was recently presented to Dutch Ministry of Defence. (Photo: Thales)
The Netherlands has signed up for seven more Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission/Compact (GM200 MM/C) radars, with two in option which is in addition to nine ordered in 2019, the first of which was delivered in February.
GM200 is medium-range and instrumented up to 250km with a rotation rate of 20rpm. It features a weapon coordination radar, instrumented up to 100km, with a rotation rate of 40rpm. Its weapon locating radar offers 360° detection and tracking capabilities on rockets, artillery and mortar rounds.
It has been designed to provide simultaneous detection, tracking and classification against all current and future threats on the modern battlefield, including UAVs.
The latest iteration features new-generation 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology and ‘dual-axis multi-beam’ technology, providing unrestricted flexibility in elevation and bearing, offering improved theatre protection.
In May 2021 the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organisation for the acquisition of five Thales’ Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radars (GM200 MM/C).
France, Georgia, Indonesia, Singapore and the UAE are also operators of the system. Shephard Defence Insight noted that the UAE operates 19 systems. Numbers with other operators remained unknown.
Germany has ordered 84 RCH 155 self-propelled guns, as system incorporating Boxer 8×8 vehicles and the Artillery Gun Module, and 200 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles while the UK has committed to a single Early Capability Demonstrator RCH 155.
While integration of guided weapons on modern armoured vehicles usually takes the form of a podded launcher on the turret exterior, recent developments suggest the concept of firing missiles from a tank’s main gun could be seeing a revival.
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
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