Production ramp-up – Thales’s Ground Fire Radar is now in continuous series production for the new SAMP/T NG system.
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Press Release, Paris, 03 October 2025:
- Thales’s Ground Fire air surveillance and air defence radar has been in full series production since the start of 2025, further to successful conclusion of factory acceptance tests (FAT) in the presence of representatives from the French Armament General Directorate (DGA).
- Intended for the French version of the new Franco-Italian SAMP/T NG system – the European Medium- and Long-range air defence-based ground system, the Ground Fire is a real game changer with a surveillance range of 400 km and 360° azimuth coverage, and a full 90° elevation coverage.
- Eight Ground Fire air defence radars will be delivered to French armed forces from 2026 , demonstrating Thales’ capacity to support France and Europe in their airspace protection and sovereignty needs through reliable production.
- Thales tripled its production of surveillance and air defence radars in 2024 and continues to grow in order to be ready to meet the challenges of protecting the skies.
The factory acceptance test is the culmination of a long series of tests conducted at Thales’ Limours site (Paris region), aimed at ensuring the highest level of performance for the new standalone radar.
Based on fully digital multiple beamforming Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology in S-band, the Ground Fire radar delivers high performance in the detection, tracking, and classification of numerous targets, even in challenging environments such as mountainous regions and densely crowded airspaces. It offers a unique one-second refresh rate, with a surveillance range of 400 km, 360° azimuth coverage, and a full 90° elevation coverage, capable of detecting drones as well as ballistic missiles, while maintaining the mobility of a tactical radar. The Ground Fire’s 360° full elevation performance detection meets forces’ needs to stay alert on all fronts with a full recognised air picture.
The open architecture of the system facilitates its integration and interoperability with other European systems, enhancing Europe’s air defence capabilities. It ensures strategic autonomy and rapid availability. Its design allows for high mobility with reduced encamp / decamp times and compact dimensions, equivalent to an ISO container for transport.
The Ground Fire radar will serve the SAMP/T NG, replacing the Arabel radar in the SAMP/T system already in service to secure the airspace in various European countries. The Ground Fire maximises the performance of the next-generation ASTER 30 missiles, positioning France among the leaders in medium- and long-range air and missile defence.
This programme is supervised by Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation (OCCAR) for the French Armed Forces Ministry and the DGA. The prime contractor is Eurosam for the overall system, with Thales providing several components, including the fire control unit based on the Ground Fire radar.
“The Ground Fire, designed and produced in Europe, will contribute to a robust European air defence system. We have implemented all the necessary processes to accelerate industrial production, tripling radar production in our factory in Limours from 2022 to 2024 and increasing the robustness of our supply chain and partner ecosystem, to ensure swift on-time delivery to contribute to air surveillance and air defence of European nations.,” declared Eric HUBER , Vice-President, Surface Radars at Thales.
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