The Moldovan Armed Forces received a French Ground Master 200 mobile aerial target detection radar.

The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Moldova reported on this.

The radar, purchased at the expense of the state budget and manufactured by the French company Thales, arrived in Chișinău on December 20.

The report does not specify the radar’s model, but based on previous statements, it is the Ground Master 200 system ordered in October this year.

According to Defense Minister Anatolie Nosatîi, this system is vital for strengthening Moldova’s air defense capabilities.

“In the current context, the safety of our citizens is a priority. The recent cases of violation of our country’s airspace have once again reminded the authorities of the urgent need to strengthen the defense capabilities of the republic. This system will ensure monitoring of the entire airspace of the country and complete a set of measures to equip the National Army in accordance with international standards,” Anatolie Nosatîi said.

Previously, the country’s government signed a contract for the supply of one radar and related equipment worth about €14.5 million.

Ground Master 200

The Ground Master 200 (GM200) is a multi-band radar manufactured by Thales Group. It provides detection of air targets within a radius of up to 250 kilometers and at an altitude of up to 24 kilometers.

The radar can detect helicopters, planes, drones, cruise missiles, surface targets, and even enemy artillery.

The system has the format of a 20-foot ISO container and weighs less than ten tons. It includes an electric generator, a mast, and a room for two workstations with a radio and data communications kit.

The radar can be transported by trucks, trains, cargo planes, and helicopters.

The new radar is intended to partially replace old Soviet-era systems in service in the country, including ST-68 radar stations and radio altimeters PRV-13.