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Serbian Army improves air defense coordination with new French-made GM200 and GM400 Alpha radar systems.
As reported by the Serbian Ministry of Defence on January 23, 2025, the Serbian Armed Forces have recently expanded their capabilities with the acquisition of Thales Ground Master (GM) radar systems, including the GM400α and GM200. These radar systems, integrated into the 126th Air Surveillance, Signaling, and Guidance Brigade (ASEWG), represent a significant step in the Serbian Ministry of Defence's broader initiative to modernize the nation's air surveillance and defense infrastructure.
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The GM400α is a long-range, 3D air surveillance radar system with a detection range of up to 515 kilometers and elevation coverage of up to 40°, housed in a 20-foot container with an integrated lifting system for truck-mounted redeployment within an hour, and features integrated decoys to improve survivability. (Picture source: Serbian MoD)
Training for professional personnel of the 126th ASEWG Brigade includes ongoing theoretical and practical lessons on operating and maintaining the GM400 long-range radar and GM200 medium-range radar. Lieutenant Stefan Filipović stated that comprehensive training is necessary for personnel before they join combat duty teams. These teams are tasked with continuous airspace monitoring and are trained to detect a variety of aerial targets, including those with low reflection, low speed, and low altitude. Second Lieutenant Nataša Marković explained that the GM200 radar complements the GM400 system and is specifically designed for detecting unmanned aerial vehicles. Its mobility, provided by mounting on high-mobility vehicles, facilitates rapid deployment and operational flexibility.
To date, Serbia has acquired a total of 22 Thales GM radars, including GM400, GM200, GM60, and GS40 variants. These systems began arriving in 2023 and are deployed in locations such as the Srem Plain near Stari Banovci, an area of strategic importance. Colonel Jovica Kepčija, commander of the 126th Brigade, highlighted the importance of these acquisitions, noting their ability to detect a wide range of aircraft types, including small reflective targets, over long distances. Training for Serbian personnel on these systems is conducted in France and locally as part of the integration process.
The Ground Master 200 (GM200) is a medium-range, 3D radar system developed by the Thales Group. Operating in the S-band with Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, it offers an instrumented range of 250 kilometers for surveillance and 100 kilometers for engagement. The radar provides 3D coverage with an elevation span from -7° to 70°, updating every 3 seconds in surveillance mode and 1.5 seconds in engagement mode. It can detect and track a variety of targets, including air-breathing threats, helicopters (including during hover), cruise missiles, sea surface targets, rockets, artillery, mortars, and unmanned aerial vehicles across multiple classifications. Additionally, the GM200 offers two simple operational modes that can be switched without interrupting the operators’ display of the air situation.
The Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) is a long-range, 3D air surveillance radar system developed by the Thales Group, featuring a detection range of up to 515 kilometers and elevation coverage of up to 40°. It operates with a 6-second update rate, providing continuous scanning for all types of targets at high, medium, and low altitudes. Housed in a compact 20-foot container with an integrated lifting system, it can be mounted on a truck for redeployment in less than an hour. It includes integrated decoys to improve survivability and features a software-defined architecture for easy updates to address evolving threats. Maintenance requirements are minimal, estimated at approximately 30 hours annually. Together, these radars improve Serbia’s ability to monitor airspace and guide aviation and missile units.
In 2024, the broader modernization of the Serbian Armed Forces included the introduction of over 70 new and upgraded systems. These included domestically produced Miloš-M combat vehicles, BRDM-2MS armored vehicles, and new reconnaissance Humvees. Other acquisitions involved FK-3 and HQ-17AE air defense missile systems, Mi-35P helicopters from Cyprus, and Airbus H145M helicopters equipped with HForce 3 systems. Additionally, Serbia developed and deployed Vrabac and Komarac-1 UAVs and introduced a Russian-made Repellent anti-drone system.
In 2025, the Ministry of Defence plans to continue modernizing the Serbian Armed Forces by replacing aging Soviet-era equipment and improving operational efficiency. The country has secured a $335 million agreement with Israel to procure PULS artillery rocket systems and Hermes 900 reconnaissance drones, aiming to enhance its artillery and surveillance capacities. Serbia has also finalized the purchase of 12 French Rafale fighter jets to diversify its military partnerships and reduce its traditional reliance on Russian military equipment. Additionally, the deployment of Chinese FK-3 air defense systems has been completed, adding to the nation’s air defense infrastructure. Plans to reintroduce compulsory military service are under consideration, with proposals for 60 days of training and 15 days of annual exercises for Serbian men, aimed at strengthening defense readiness.
The GM200 is a medium-range, 3D radar system operating in the S-band, providing a surveillance range of 250 kilometers, an engagement range of 100 kilometers, and could detect and track a variety of targets, including helicopters in hover mode. (Picture source: Serbian MoD)