Thales to reinforce Ireland’s air surveillance with Ground Master 400 Alpha and Ground Master 200 Multi Mission All-in-one radars

• The Irish Department of Defence and the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA – the French defence procurement agency) have signed a contract for the acquisition of four of Thales’ Ground Master 400α (GM400 Alpha) radars and a Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-one radar to strengthen Irish airspace capabilities.


• The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027, highlighting Thales’ ability to deliver rapidly in response to customer needs.

The Irish Department of Defence has signed an agreement with the French Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) for the delivery of the Thales Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) and the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-one (GM200 MM/A) radars. Building on strong European cooperation, this agreement will contribute to maintaining Irish airspace sovereignty.

Thanks to Thales’ strong industrial ramp-up programme and ability to produce in short lead times, the first deliveries are scheduled for 2027. With over 300 radars sold in more than 40 countries, Thales’ Ground Master radar family continues to see strong international traction.

The GM400α has an update rate of just 6 seconds, outstanding processing power, and exceptional tracking capability, even in dense clutter. Designed to fit into a 20-foot ISO container, equipped with an integrated lifting system, and capable of rapid deployment, it delivers exceptional survivability for a long-range radar. The GM200 MM/A is a field-proven radar that simultaneously detects and tracks low to high-altitude targets. It features the “all-in-one” approach of a single 20-foot shelter containing the radar, a mast and a Power Generator Unit. Transportable on a truck and deployable for operations in 15 minutes, it provides operators with crucial asset survivability.

Both the GM400α and the GM200 MM/A will contribute to strengthening the recognised air picture for the Irish Defence Forces. ​

    “The selection of Thales to enhance Ireland’s sovereign and defence capabilities in a rapidly changing and complex security landscape, underscores our proven ability to deliver advanced air surveillance capabilities. 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.” Martin Soegaard, Country Director Thales Denmark, Ireland, Iceland & Baltics.

    “We are honoured to support Ireland in strengthening its airspace sovereignty through the delivery of our GM400α and GM200 MM/A radars. These cutting-edge systems embody Thales’ commitment to providing modular, interoperable and rapidly deployable solutions for air defence. This agreement highlights Europe’s will to bolster sovereignty and resilience and the DGA’s trust in Thales as a key defence partner.” Eric Huber, Vice President, Surface Radars, Thales. 

photo courtesy Thales