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Brazilian Air Force strengthens air surveillance capacities with the acquisition of Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission “All-in-One” radars

  • The Brazilian Air Force acquires the Ground Master 200 Multi-mission All-in-one (GM 200 MM/A) tactical air surveillance radars, reinforcing air sovereignty capabilities.
  • Highly tactical and mobile, the GM200 MM/A enables superior situational awareness for air surveillance, as well as ground-based air defence (GBAD) operations up to Mid-Range Air Defence (MRAD).
  • GM200 MM/A implements a unique 4D AESA1 dual-axis multi-beam technology that delivers unmatched precision at a longer range. Its extended time on target provides an excellent detection of low, small and slow targets, such as mini-drones.
@Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-mission All-in-one (GM200 MM/A) I Image for illustrative purposes only.
@Thales Ground Master 200 Multi-mission All-in-one (GM200 MM/A) I Image for illustrative purposes only.

The Department of Airspace Control (DECEA), through the Airspace Control System Implementation Commission (CISCEA), has signed a contract for the acquisition of Ground Master Multi-Mission "All-in-One" radars in order to enhance Brazil's air surveillance capability.

To protect airspace, the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission radar family covers the whole spectrum of threats, from low mini-drones to faster, more agile targets at longer ranges, while retaining a very high tactical mobility and a very short deployment time. More than 250 radars from the GM family have been sold worldwide.

The GM200 MM/A is designed for modern multi-mission air surveillance and GBAD missions, figuring amongst the most flexible radars on the market today - offering radar operators instant superior situational awareness. Featuring new-generation 4DAESA and unique ‘dual-axis multi-beam’ technology, the radar provides flexibility in elevation and bearing. This software-defined radar is ready for future upgrades and capabilities expansion to manage the ever-evolving spectrum of threats and doctrines.

The GM200 MM/A fits in a single autonomous 20-foot ISO standard package of less than 10 tons with built-in lifting systems, enabling the radar to be easily transported by road, rail, boat, helicopter and tactical aircraft in a single rotation and to be quickly operational, enhancing survivability.

Deployed by two people in less than 15 minutes, the antenna operates on an 8-meter mast, with an embedded Power Generator Unit, sustainable for more than 24-hour of operation, providing a complete autonomy during missions. The radar enables the integration of a Local Command and Control capability within the radar’s cabin for up to two operators and their working positions.

The contract signed with the FAB consolidates Thales´ position as a leader in the radar market in Brazil. Omnisys, a Thales subsidiary in Brazil, will be responsible for all local radar support and maintenance activities, guaranteeing the high standard of availability requested by such systems.

"We are proud to serve the Brazilian Air Force and DECEA, contributing to air surveillance and air sovereignty missions of its nation with GM200 MM/A radars. With a long presence in this country, local footprint with Omnisys, and a strong installed base of more than 100 Air Traffic Control (ATC) radars, this is a new milestone in our collaboration to support our customer in airspace protection. Our commitment to excellence, cutting-edge technology and premium local services reinforces our dedication to meeting the FAB’s air surveillance needs of today and in the future”, comments Eric Huber, Vice President Surface Radars, Thales

"The acquisition and incorporation of the new GM200 MM/A radars into the 1st GCC (1st Communications and Control Group) will significantly contribute to the enhancement of surveillance and security in air navigation, ensuring a prompt response for the country's air defense. The high mobility of these radars, combined with their ability to detect the most modern threats, demonstrates the commitment of the Brazilian Air Force to national sovereignty," adds Major Brigadeiro Alexandre Arthur Massena Javoski, President of the Airspace Control System Implementation Commission - CISCEA.


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Note to editors:

Ground Master 200 Multi Mission Family

The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission family (GM200 MM) is the new generation of Thales’ medium range ground radar including Thales 4D AESA and dual axis multi-beam technologies. It benefits from Thales GM200 and NS100/200 technology background and many years fielded experience of more than 30 countries.

The GM200 MM exists in two different mobile versions:

  • The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission “compact” version (GM200 MM/C) is a pallet version offering higher tactical mobility and quicker deployment, as well as specific mission capabilities such as artillery Counter Battery and Weapon Locating. It also suits well GBAD operations (up to low level MRAD**).
  • The Ground Master 200 Multi Mission “all in one” (GM200 MM/A) targeting mainly Air Surveillance as well as GBAD operations (up to low level MRAD, as its GM200 MM/C brother). It maintains the well-known GM200 integrated C2 shelter and facilitates space for the radar mast to gain elevation for low level air surveillance and 2 operators on board.

Both versions are easy to transport, optimized for network centric remote operations, and ultimately save time in planning, training and operation.

4D AESA family

Thales’ scalable and upgradable antenna architecture is the core of Thales’ new medium- and long-range 4D AESA radar family (NS50, NS100/200, SM400, APAR, GM200 MM, SMART-L MM, Sea Fire and Ground Fire).

The full digital & software-defined 4D AESA radar technology offers upgrade capacity over the whole life cycle to maintain the tailored operational capability against evolving threats, including enhanced tracking & classification performance.