The German arms procurement agency has recently awarded Thales a significant contract for the supply of 60 Ground Observer 12 (GO12) short-range battlefield radar systems to the German Armed Forces. This deal not only includes the radar systems themselves but also encompasses additional equipment, spare parts, and comprehensive training for users.
Thales plans to utilize its expanded production capacity at the Ditzingen facility to fulfill the contract, with delivery of the systems projected for 2026. Christoph Ruffner, the CEO of Thales Germany, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the company’s technologies, highlighting the order as a testament to Thales’ strong position in the defense industry. He emphasized the company’s commitment to bolstering national security and defense initiatives through proven combat technologies.
The Ground Observer 12 is designed as a versatile reconnaissance and artillery-locating radar, capable of detecting drones, vehicles, and other targets with a comprehensive 360-degree field of view. Its tactical design makes it particularly suitable for highly mobile forces. The system is equipped with a control laptop, tripod, cables, and a battery pack that supports up to 6 hours of operation.
Weighing only 28 liters (7.4 gallons), the compact sensor package can be easily carried in a backpack by two soldiers, alongside their personal gear weighing between 15 to 20 kilograms (33 to 44 pounds). Remarkably, a single operator can set up the GO12 system in just two minutes, and its Ethernet interface allows for seamless data transmission over any Internet Protocol network.
Operating within the Ku-band, the GO12 is adept at detecting and precisely locating dismounted personnel at distances of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles) and vehicles or helicopters up to 16 kilometers (10 miles) away, even under challenging conditions such as complete darkness, fog, or heavy rain. The acquisition of this technology is set to enhance the operational capabilities of the German Armed Forces in various battlefield scenarios.
