Thales’s Ground Fire air surveillance and air defence radar has been in full series production since the start of 2025, following the successful conclusion of factory acceptance tests (FAT) in the presence of representatives from the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). Designed for the French version of the new Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system — Europe’s medium- and long-range air defence-based ground system — the Ground Fire radar is a game-changer, offering a surveillance range of 400 km, 360-degree azimuth coverage, and full 90-degree elevation coverage.
Eight Ground Fire radars are scheduled for delivery to the French armed forces from 2026, highlighting Thales’s ability to support France and Europe in safeguarding airspace and ensuring sovereignty through reliable production. Having tripled its production of surveillance and air defence radars in 2024, Thales continues to expand its capabilities to meet the growing challenges of protecting the skies.
Based on fully digital multiple beamforming Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology in S-band, the Ground Fire radar delivers high performance in the detection, tracking, and classification of numerous targets, even in challenging environments such as mountainous regions and densely crowded airspaces. It offers a unique one-second refresh rate, with a surveillance range of 400 km, 360° azimuth coverage, and a full 90° elevation coverage, capable of detecting drones as well as ballistic missiles, while maintaining the mobility of a tactical radar. The Ground Fire’s 360° full elevation performance detection meets forces’ needs to stay alert on all fronts with a full recognised air picture.
The open architecture of the system facilitates its integration and interoperability with other European systems, enhancing Europe's air defence capabilities. It ensures strategic autonomy and rapid availability. Its design allows for high mobility with reduced encamp / decamp times and compact dimensions, equivalent to an ISO container for transport.
The Ground Fire radar will serve the SAMP/T NG, replacing the Arabel radar in the SAMP/T system already in service to secure the airspace in various European countries. The Ground Fire maximises the performance of the next-generation ASTER 30 missiles, positioning France among the leaders in medium- and long-range air and missile defence.
This programme is supervised by Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) for the French Armed Forces Ministry and the DGA. The prime contractor is Eurosam for the overall system, with Thales providing several components, including the fire control unit based on the Ground Fire radar.
“The Ground Fire, designed and produced in Europe, will contribute to a robust European air defence system. ? We have implemented all the necessary processes to accelerate industrial production, tripling radar production in our factory in Limours from 2022 to 2024 and increasing the robustness of our supply chain and partner eco-system, to ensure swift on-time delivery to contribute to air surveillance and air defence of European nations.,” declared Eric HUBER , Vice-President, Surface Radars at Thales.
Related News from Land Systems
