Thales Begins Continuous Production of Ground Fire Radar for SAMP/T NG Air Defense
- Ritambhara K
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Thales has officially entered full-scale series production of its Ground Fire air surveillance and air defence radar, marking a major milestone in the evolution of European air defence. The transition to continuous manufacturing began in early 2025, following the successful completion of Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) in the presence of representatives from France’s Armament General Directorate.
Developed for the French version of the Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG (Surface-to-Air Missile Platform / Terrain – New Generation) system, Ground Fire is a technological breakthrough designed to strengthen Europe’s medium- and long-range air defence capabilities. With a 400-kilometre surveillance range, 360° azimuth coverage, and a full 90° elevation range, it delivers unmatched situational awareness and response capability across multiple threat levels.
A Leap in European Air Defence Capability
Eight Ground Fire radar units are slated for delivery to the French Armed Forces beginning in 2026, reinforcing Thales’s commitment to supporting both France and Europe in safeguarding their airspace sovereignty. The company’s ability to sustain continuous production demonstrates its readiness to meet rising operational demands and its pivotal role in Europe’s defence industrial base.
To prepare for this stage, Thales tripled its radar production capacity in 2024, expanding facilities, strengthening its supply chain, and increasing workforce efficiency to ensure timely delivery and performance consistency.
Proven Performance Through Rigorous Testing
The recent factory acceptance phase concluded a series of extensive validation tests conducted at Thales’s Limours site, near Paris. These trials were designed to ensure maximum performance and reliability of the radar before operational deployment. The Ground Fire radar leverages advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology operating in the S-band, combined with fully digital multiple beamforming capabilities.
This configuration allows the system to detect, track, and classify a wide variety of targets—from small drones to high-speed ballistic missiles—even in complex environments such as mountainous terrain or densely populated airspace. It features a one-second refresh rate, maintaining continuous 360° coverage while preserving the mobility of a tactical radar system.
Designed for Interoperability and Rapid Deployment
Built with an open, modular architecture, the Ground Fire radar integrates seamlessly with other European air defence assets. This interoperability is key to enhancing strategic autonomy and ensuring rapid operational availability across allied nations. The radar’s compact design—comparable in size to a standard ISO container—allows for rapid setup and redeployment, reducing encampment and decampment times while maintaining tactical flexibility.
Replacing the legacy Arabel radar currently used in existing SAMP/T systems, the Ground Fire will serve as the primary fire control radar for the SAMP/T NG system. It is designed to maximise the performance of next-generation ASTER 30 missiles, offering France and its partners a stronger defence posture against modern aerial and missile threats.
A European Collaborative Effort
The Ground Fire programme is overseen by the Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) on behalf of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces and the DGA, with Eurosam acting as the prime contractor for the SAMP/T NG system. Thales contributes several critical subsystems, including the radar-based fire control unit that underpins the entire air defence solution.
Strengthening Europe’s Industrial and Strategic Resilience
Entirely designed and manufactured in Europe, the Ground Fire radar stands as a symbol of continental collaboration in defence technology. It will play a central role in building a robust, autonomous European air defence network, capable of responding swiftly to emerging threats.
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