The British Army has officially received the first batch of its new Ground-Based Surveillance Radar (GBSR) systems from Elbit Systems UK, marking a major step forward in the modernization of its artillery capabilities. The handover follows successful live-fire evaluations completed in early 2025, validating the radar’s performance in operational conditions. This delivery signals the start of a wider rollout planned for the rest of the year.
The initial shipment includes 55 GBSR units, along with essential supporting equipment. The remaining radars are expected to be delivered before the end of 2025 as part of the UK’s broader investment in advanced battlefield surveillance technologies. The Ministry of Defence originally placed an order for 90 portable radar systems in 2023, with an additional option for 40 more units. Each system has been tailored to meet specific British Army requirements and is built on an open-architecture framework for improved integration and future upgrades.
Designed to enhance modern combat awareness, Elbit Systems’ GBSR provides two major functions: continuous ground surveillance and precise fall-of-shot (FoS) correction. These capabilities give UK forces improved situational awareness, early threat detection, and enhanced survivability on the battlefield. The fully UK- and Europe-manufactured radar supports rapid data sharing and compatibility with existing command-and-control networks.
In its surveillance role, the radar can detect, track, and classify a broad spectrum of battlefield targets, including personnel, vehicles, rotary-wing aircraft, and drones. For artillery units, the FoS correction feature automatically locates impact points during live fire, enabling mortar and gun crews to adjust their aim quickly and accurately. This ensures more efficient engagement of targets while reducing ammunition wastage and response times.
