Belgium confirms its purchase of Thales GM200 MM/C radars for its Blue Dome air defence

Belgium has confirmed it will buy Thales GM200 MM/C radars for Blue Dome, the multi-layer air defence shield it is building with the Netherlands, Thales announced on November 10. The order follows Belgium's purchase of ten NASAMS systems from Kongsberg in July and of 20 Rheinmetall Skyranger 30 mm guns on November 9.

The GM200 MM/C is a 4D active-array radar for air surveillance, air defence and counter-battery fire. It can be set up in less than 60 seconds and moved in a standard ISO container about six metres long. Thales says it gives commanders a real-time picture of threats including drones, loitering munitions, missiles, aircraft, helicopters and rocket, artillery and mortar fire.

The Belgian radars will be connected to Kongsberg's Fire Distribution Center command and control system and to AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM interceptor missiles. Hervé Dammann, deputy head of Thales's land and air systems division, said the deal also strengthens Europe's defence industry.