Albania is set to significantly upgrade its national air surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of the advanced Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) radar from French defense giant Thales. The agreement, formally signed at the prestigious Paris Air Show, marks a pivotal step in Albania’s ongoing efforts to modernize its air defense infrastructure and enhance its contribution to NATO’s collective security.
The GM400α is a cutting-edge, software-defined 3D air surveillance radar renowned for its exceptional performance. A key feature is its rapid 6-second refresh rate, allowing for near real-time tracking of aerial objects. The system boasts impressive elevation coverage of up to 40 degrees and can simultaneously detect and track a wide spectrum of airborne threats, from low-flying drones to high-altitude aircraft, at ranges extending up to 515 kilometers (320 miles). This dual capability is crucial in today’s complex aerial threat environment.
The acquisition underscores Albania’s commitment to strengthening its national defense, particularly its ability to monitor and control its airspace effectively. As a NATO member, modernizing its surveillance assets is also vital for seamless integration into the alliance’s air defense networks, contributing to the broader collective security framework of the transatlantic alliance.
Thales is committed to delivering the new radar system within 14 months, indicating a relatively swift rollout for such a sophisticated piece of military hardware. The GM400α’s availability in both stationary and mobile versions offers operational flexibility, allowing Albania to deploy it strategically across its territory to cover critical areas.
This procurement represents a significant investment in Albania’s future defense posture. By adopting advanced radar technology, the nation is not only enhancing its sovereign air defense but also solidifying its role as a reliable and capable ally within NATO, ready to face contemporary and future challenges in aerial security.