Thales has announced a significant advancement in air surveillance capabilities for the Royal Malaysian Air Force through the delivery of two GM400α long-range air surveillance radars. This strategic acquisition aims to bolster Malaysia’s monitoring and air defense systems, enhancing national security.
The GM400α radar is noted for its impressive detection range of up to 515 kilometers (320 miles). It is designed with mobility, reliability, and seamless integration in mind, ensuring it can effectively meet the operational needs of Malaysia’s defense forces. In a collaborative effort, Thales will partner with the Weststar Group to implement the radar systems according to specific national operational requirements.
A critical component of this initiative is the knowledge transfer program accompanying the radar deployment. Thales will conduct Train-the-Trainer courses aimed at developing local technical expertise. This initiative not only focuses on immediate operational readiness but also aims to build long-term maintenance capabilities, thus ensuring that Malaysian forces can autonomously manage and operate the radar systems effectively.
The GM400α radar features advanced technology that allows it to update its scans every six seconds. This capability enables continuous monitoring and detection of aerial targets across various altitudes—high, medium, and low. The radar system is adept at detecting and tracking a range of aerial threats, including aircraft, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Upon identification of a target, the system can determine whether it is friendly or potentially hostile, a critical feature that aids command and control centers in making timely, informed decisions while minimizing the risk of misidentification.
Moreover, maintenance of the GM400α radar is expected to be efficient, requiring only 30 hours per year. Continuous software updates are also part of the system, allowing it to adapt to evolving threats, including electronic warfare and cyber challenges.
This latest contract represents a continuation of Thales’s commitment to enhancing air defense capabilities in Malaysia. To date, the company has delivered more than 270 Ground Master radars worldwide. The current deal comes after Malaysia’s decision in 2023 to acquire the GM400α radar, which followed extensive live demonstrations to evaluate its capacity in supporting the country’s existing air surveillance and defense infrastructure.
Malaysia’s relationship with Thales dates back to 2009 when it became the launch customer for the earlier GM400 model, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to building a robust air defense capability in collaboration with leading defense technology providers.
