Albania Enhances Defense with Ground Master 400 Alpha
Albania is taking significant steps to upgrade its air defense capabilities, recently securing a contract with Thales for the Ground Master 400 Alpha radar system. The agreement was formalized during the Paris Air Show, with notable attendance from French Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu and Albanian Defence Minister Pirro Vengu. Under the terms of the deal, the radar system is expected to be delivered in just 14 months, marking a swift advancement in Albania’s military capabilities.
Eric Huber, the Vice President of Surface Radars at Thales, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We are proud to support Albania with the rapid delivery of the combat-proven Ground Master 400 Alpha.” He emphasized the company’s enhanced production capacity and collaboration with partners, which ensure that they can meet urgent operational demands effectively.
Specifications and Capabilities of GM400α
The Ground Master 400 Alpha radar is a sophisticated, software-defined 3D air surveillance system that boasts a refresh rate of six seconds. It offers elevation coverage of up to 40 degrees, ensuring that it can continuously monitor a range of aerial threats, from jets to tactical drones. This advanced radar is designed to detect not only high-altitude targets but also medium and low-flying threats, enhancing the situational awareness of defense systems.
Equipped with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and significantly improved processing power, the GM400α can track multiple targets simultaneously. It is capable of detecting objects at distances reaching up to 515 kilometers (320 miles), which is vital for comprehensive airspace monitoring. The radar system’s versatility is further underscored by its dual configurations; it can be deployed either as a stationary unit or in a mobile setup, allowing quick relocation and redeployment in under an hour.
The GM400α will join the ranks of other operatives in countries like the Netherlands and Malaysia, showcasing its growing reputation in global defense applications. With its blend of speed, technological proficiency, and adaptability, the GM400α positions Albania to effectively meet contemporary air defense challenges.
