Sweden to Replace Legacy PS-871 Radars with Thales GM200 MM/C
The Swedish Defense Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk – FMV) ordered an undisclosed number of Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission Compact Radars (GM200 MM/C) from Thales Nederland on April 4, 2025, to strengthen Swedish sovereign airspace capabilities.
This order is part of Sweden’s wider sensor system modernization program, known as “Sensorsystem Ny,” with a total value of approximately one billion Swedish Krona (approximately €91,117,850). The first system will be delivered to Sweden in 2026, followed by deliveries to the Armed Forces. The new radar systems are planned to replace the Swedish Armed Forces’ aging two-dimensional PS-871 systems, which are nearing the end of their operational life.
“We are very proud to be selected by FMV to further strengthen Swedish sovereign and defence capabilities in an increasingly challenging environment. The Thales GM200 MM/C, with its high-end technology, will play a vital role contributing to the overall national security”, says Håkan Ahlström, Country Director Sweden, Thales.
The Thales GM200 MM/C is a medium-range ground radar that incorporates ‘next generation 4D Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology’ and ‘dual-axis multi-beam’ technology. It is suitable for Counter Battery and Weapon Localization operations and supports a wide range of missions, including air defense. Operating in S-Band, the GM200 MM/C can automatically detect multiple UAVs, RAMs (Rockets, Artillery, and Mortars), missiles, aircraft, and helicopters at ranges up to 250 km and altitudes up to 24,400 meters and track them at ranges up to 100 km. The unit can be deployed quickly and transported by road, rail, or tactical aircraft.
Apart from Sweden, five other countries have adopted the GM200 MM radar, four of which are NATO members: the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Lithuania. The only non-alliance user of the system is Brazil. In November 2023, the United Kingdom also expressed interest in procuring the GM200 MM/C for Project Serpens. However, despite this intention, no concrete progress has been publicly visible.