Netherlands Deploys New Groundmaster Alpha Radar Temporarily.

On August 1, 2024, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced that a new radar system in Nieuw Milligen is now monitoring Dutch airspace. The GM400 Alpha (GM400α), manufactured by Thales, will assume this role until the new SMART-L radar station in Herwijnen becomes operational.
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The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced that a new radar system is now monitoring Dutch airspace, The GM400 Alpha, manufactured by Thales. (Picture source: Dutch MoD)

Similar to the mobile NATO radar used over the past four months, the Groundmaster400a serves as an interim solution for the Medium Power Radar. The previous radar, after 52 years of service, was permanently decommissioned at the end of March.

The SMART-L is a modern radar designed for military use and has been operational in Wier, Friesland, since 2021. Although the Groundmaster400a is technically comparable to the SMART-L, it is more compact and transportable, although its imaging capabilities are slightly less precise.

Both radar systems are used by the Dutch Ministry of Defense to monitor the Dutch sector of NATO airspace and to support military air operations. Additionally, they provide support to civilian organizations, including the police and other law enforcement agencies.

The GM400α offers five times the processing power of its predecessor, a 10% extended range of up to 515 kilometers, and advanced artificial intelligence capabilities. It takes long-range air surveillance to a new level, addressing the increased need for national airspace protection in the face of great power competition.

In response to new threats like drones (UAVs) that can evade traditional radar detection capabilities, the GM400α allows command and control centers to maintain constant vigilance and superior situational awareness. This software-defined 3D radar offers elevation coverage up to 40° and updates every 6 seconds, simultaneously detecting all types of targets at high, medium, and low altitudes. The rapid classification of targets as friend or foe is facilitated by the fused interrogation mode of the GM400α, ensuring optimal response and complete peace of mind for command centers.

The GM400α is notable for its deployability and survivability. It can be installed in a compact 20-foot container, mounted on a truck, and redeployed in less than an hour. Decoys can be used to maximize its survival potential. In a fixed version, it guarantees constant surveillance of national airspace in specific geographic areas.

An innovative feature of the GM400α is its wind turbine effect mitigation algorithm, facilitating the deployment of wind farms. It requires minimal maintenance (30 hours per year) and maintains high levels of functionality thanks to regular software updates, addressing new threats, electronic warfare, and cyber-attacks.

The GM400α uses digital stacked beam technology to detect targets ranging from fast jets and missiles to helicopters and tactical UAVs, even those flying close to the ground. With total coverage every 6 seconds and an operational availability of over 98.5%, it is delivered in a 20-foot ISO container weighing 10 tons, ensuring optimal availability and durability for mission success.