Global Defense News
As part of the FSAF-PAAMS program, managed by the Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR), the first serial GF300 MRI radar for the French Air and Space Force’s SAMP/T NG system has completed its factory acceptance tests. This milestone marks a significant step in the development of the new air and missile defense system, designed to enhance the French Armed Forces’ capabilities against a wide range of threats, including ballistic missiles, modern aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles.
The tests were conducted at Thales’ facility in Limours, France, where a series of rigorous assessments were performed to ensure the highest performance standards for the multifunction radar. Using Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, the GF300 MRI provides 360-degree coverage and an extended range, enabling the detection, tracking, and classification of multiple targets, even in environments with strong electronic interference. It is designed to counter various air and missile threats, including a combination of Air Breathing Threats (ABT) and Theater Ballistic Missiles (TBM), while maintaining high mobility and operational flexibility.
The validation process was carried out by Thales and Eurosam, with the involvement of experts from the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA), DGA GQA (Governmental Quality Assurance), and OCCAR. This achievement demonstrates the readiness of industrial production lines to support the manufacturing of the new-generation Radar Module and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system. This first serial GF300 MRI radar is now being integrated with other modules of the first SAMP/T NG unit, which will soon be delivered for initial operational testing by the French Air and Space Force.
