German Armed Forces Order 60 Ground Surveillance Radars from Thales
Germany's Bundeswehr has contracted Thales to deliver 60 GO12 ground surveillance radars capable of detecting vehicles at 24 kilometers by year-end as part of its military modernization efforts.
The German military is significantly enhancing its ground surveillance capabilities through a major equipment contract with French defense giant Thales, according to Valeurs Actuelles.
The Bundeswehr has awarded a contract to Thales Deutschland GmbH for the production and delivery of 60 ground reconnaissance radars, with all units scheduled for delivery by the end of this year. The financial value of the order has not been disclosed.
According to the French publication, which cites German defense media outlets Sicherheit & Verteidigung and Hartpunkt, the German armed forces will receive Ground Observer 12 (GO12) radar systems. This equipment is already in use by the French Army under the designation MURIN, which stands for Moyen de surveillance Utilisant un Radar d’observation des INtervalles, and has been operational since 2019.
Advanced Detection Capabilities
The GO12 tactical radar system is designed specifically for surveillance and forward observation operations. Despite weighing less than 40 kilograms, the portable system can detect any vehicle or aircraft within a 24-kilometer radius. The radar is also capable of identifying pedestrians at distances up to 12 kilometers.
According to information published on the Thales website, the GO12 offers high performance characteristics, extended operational autonomy, and resistance to extreme weather conditions.
Bundeswehr Modernization Drive
This procurement represents the latest step in Germany’s ongoing military modernization program, as the Bundeswehr continues to upgrade its ground-based surveillance capabilities. The radar systems will provide German forces with enhanced situational awareness and early warning capabilities across a wide operational spectrum.
The acquisition of 60 units indicates a substantial investment in tactical surveillance technology, reflecting the strategic priority Berlin has placed on improving its military’s reconnaissance and monitoring capabilities in an increasingly unstable security environment.
With information from Valeurs Actuelles
