French defense firm Thales has secured a contract to supply advanced air defense radar systems to the Qatar Emiri Air Force, strengthening the country’s ability to monitor and defend its airspace against evolving aerial threats. The agreement supports Qatar’s broader efforts to enhance its integrated air and missile defense architecture.
Under the deal, Thales will deliver its Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-One (GM200 MM/A) and Ground Master Alpha (GM400α) radars. These systems will provide multi-range air surveillance, improving detection and tracking of a wide spectrum of airborne targets while reinforcing Qatar’s deterrence posture.
The contract also includes national-level program management support, sustainment solutions, and comprehensive training packages for radar operators and maintenance personnel. According to Thales, local workforce preparation and operational support activities will be conducted daily through 2036, ensuring long-term readiness and system availability.
The GM200 MM/A radar is designed to detect and track small and fast-moving aerial threats at ranges of up to 350 kilometers. Housed in a 20-foot ISO-standard container, the system integrates a mast, power generator, and command-and-control modules, allowing transport by military truck and deployment in under 15 minutes. The GM400α, meanwhile, provides high-performance surveillance across complex environments and can track targets with varying maneuverability. Both radar systems are integrated via Thales’ Secure Digital Integration Platform, enabling the secure sharing of a real-time, unified air picture across command and control networks.
