Sweden has entered into a significant agreement with Thales to acquire the Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact radar (GM200 MM/C) under a contract worth 1 billion Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately $93 million. The first deliveries of this advanced radar system are anticipated to commence in 2026.
This procurement is a strategic move to enhance the Swedish Armed Forces’ air and surface surveillance capabilities, stepping in to replace the aging PS-871 radar system currently in use. Per Schylström, who serves as the project manager for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, highlighted the rapid deployment capabilities of the GM200 MM/C radar. This feature is poised to facilitate a quicker reinforcement of radar coverage in prioritized areas, thus improving Sweden’s overall defensive posture.
The GM200 MM/C is equipped with advanced specifications that enable a range of up to 400 kilometers (about 248 miles) for air surveillance and defense missions. The radar’s capabilities include extensive coverage to detect, track, and classify a variety of aerial threats, such as drones, conventional aircraft, and cruise missiles. It is also designed for ground operations, tracking incoming ground-based fire from rockets, artillery, and mortars. The system enhances operational effectiveness by providing early warnings, determining the origin and impact points of incoming threats, and assisting in target engagement assessments.
This agreement comes in the context of escalating security concerns in Europe, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In response to these developments, Sweden has shifted its long-standing policy of military non-alignment and officially joined NATO in March 2024. Last month, the country also unveiled a robust $30 billion defense spending plan, marking its most extensive rearmament initiative since the Cold War. This initiative aims to elevate Sweden’s military expenditure to 3.5 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030, a significant increase from the current 2.4 percent.
The acquisition of the GM200 MM/C radar is a key component of Sweden’s broader strategy to modernize its military capabilities amid changing geopolitical dynamics and to ensure readiness in addressing potential threats in the region.
