Romania is acquiring 12 combat-proven GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-One (GM200 MM/A) radars from French firm Thales to strengthen airspace protection amid reports of drone incursions.
The order was made through a signed government-to-government agreement between Romania and France, funded under the European Union’s SAFE funding program, which finances participating countries’ defense acquisitions to ensure readiness.
Apart from supplying the radars, Thales will establish a Radar Competence Centre to strengthen the NATO country’s long-term industrial capacity and radar expertise.
The first radar delivery is expected by 2027.
“We stand ready to expand partnerships with Romanian industry, to strengthen localisation, sustain operational readiness, and contribute to future NATO and European initiatives involving Romania,” said Pascale Sourisse, Thales’ Senior Executive VP of International Development.
The latest deal is part of Bucharest’s efforts to strengthen airspace protection, following orders made in June to acquire various air defense systems from Germany’s Rheinmetall and Israel’s Rafael.
GM200 MM/A
The GM200 MM/A, part of Thales’ Ground Master family, is a 4D active electronically scanned array radar that detects and tracks a variety of targets, including enemy drones, aircraft, and missiles, from up to 350 kilometers (217 miles) away.
The radar, mast, and power generator are housed in a single 20-foot (6-meter) shelter, which can be mounted on vehicles and deployed in under 15 minutes.
Beyond air and surface surveillance, the GM200 MM/A can perform weapon coordination and RAM (Rocket/Artillery/Mortar) sense and warn missions simultaneously.
