Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com APRIL/MAY 2025 35 Sponsored Content • Additional training pipelines for opera- tors and maintainers. • More spare parts and warehousing. • Increased integration costs for each plat- form into C2 and ISR architectures. • Higher risk of system incompatibility and electromagnetic interference. By contrast, the GM200 MM/C acts as a force multiplier by allowing for one ra- dar operator and one maintenance crew to cover all mission sets. It is a software- defined radar system, enabling rapid re- configuration to meet evolving mission requirements. For example, if deployed to an environment with no air threat and few RAM threats, but a large number of drones, then the entirety of the force's ra- dars could be used for C-UAS. "So even though a small number of platforms for each type of threat might be anticipated, Canada would have the flexibility to surge them against the most prevalent type," says Marshall. "This capa- bility reduces engineering complexity and lifecycle sustainment costs, and increases readiness." With its prime-mover independent 20- foot ISO containerized form factor, the radar can be mounted on trailers, unar- moured trucks, or armoured vehicles. Its exceptionally short-deployment and decamp times support rapid maneuver operations, including "sense and scoot" tactics critical for survivability in contest- ed environments. It can operate (includ- ing rotate) from uneven terrain (i.e. on a slope) and does not need to have any type of stabilizer deployed to do so. "For a radar of its size, it is lightning fast to get into operation, compared to its competition," says Marshall. "The GM200 MM/C is also road, rail, air, and sea transportable, allowing forces to de- ploy it wherever needed with maximum flexibility." A Platform for ISR Modernization and Beyond Canada's ISR Modernization Project is currently considering the acquisition of separate radars for C-RAM and C-UAS missions. But that approach underesti- mates the value of interchangeability, a key priority of the Canadian Army. The GM200 MM/C fulfills both requirements from a single platform, drastically reduc- ing lifecycle costs while improving opera- tional effectiveness. When provided to ISR and GBAD (Ground Based Air Defence) projects, the GM200 MM/C simplifies program archi- tecture. Rather than reinvent the wheel for each project, Canada can integrate a com- mon radar system and allow project teams to focus on C2 integration and effector coordination. Furthermore, Canada is expected to up- grade or replace its aging Medium Range Radar (MRR) systems. The GM200 MM/C, with its modular, future-proof ar- chitecture and NATO/FVEY network in- teroperability, is an ideal fit for this role. As threats evolve, the radar's software-defined design ensures that it can adapt quickly, providing long-term value far beyond the initial purchase. Thales' radar technology is also part of a broader radar family (NS50, NS100, SMART-L MM, Ground Fire, Sea Fire) that offers long-term interoperability and support options. Most importantly, train- ing, support and maintenance of the radar can be done together with the Canadian Army by Thales Canada. "Whether it's air defence, expeditionary operations, or homeland airspace monitor- ing, GM200 MM/C can integrate seam- lessly into broader Canadian defence strat- egies" adds Marshall. A NATO-Proven, ITAR-Free Solution The GM200 MM/C is produced by Thales in Hengelo, Netherlands. The Royal Netherlands Army has already inte- grated the GM200 MM/C into its force structure. Other NATO countries, such as Denmark, Norway and Lithuania, are also quickly discovering the added value that the GM 200 MM/C brings to the battlefield. Canada should seize this mo- ment to join its NATO allies in adopting this trusted, interoperable solution. Since the GM200 MM/C is already in service with NATO nations, it's free from International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions. This makes it partic- ularly attractive for Canada, allowing for faster procurement timelines, easier export approvals (if needed), and deeper interop- erability into allied defence networks. This ITAR-free status also enhances Can- ada's sovereignty and flexibility. Procure- ment decisions are free from third-party vetting processes, which can delay deploy- ments and impose unexpected restrictions. With the GM200 MM/C, Canada buys once and owns the capability outright. Canada is a founding NATO member and a leader in global peacekeeping. Inte- grating GM200 MM/C into its defence portfolio enhances both its national capa- bilities and its contributions to allied mis- sions. It is a force multiplier in every sense. A Singular Solution for a Plurality of Threats At a time when Canada's defence require- ments are becoming more complex and budget pressures more intense, the answer is not to proliferate platforms, but rather to simplify with purpose. The Thales GM200 MM/C is more than a radar. It is a strategic enabler of modern warfare capabilities. Canada should actively consider directly procuring GM200 MM/C for all of its land-based radar needs. Doing so will: • Equip Canada with a NATO-proven, future-ready, multi-mission radar. • Drastically reduce training, maintenance, and logistics costs. • Allow rapid deployment and high mobil- ity across any terrain. • Ensure compatibility with allied forces and full NATO interoperability. • Avoid ITAR-related delays and con- straints. • Receive the radar with the best available detection, tracking and classification ca- pabilities currently available. By consolidating requirements into one radar platform, Canada reduces the size of its deployed footprint, lowers total cost of ownership, and drastically increases readi- ness. This approach is resilient, agile, and forward-thinking. Every additional radar type increases the need for operators and maintainers, adding strain to already tight personnel pipelines. The GM200 MM/C addresses this with a dramatically smaller training and logistics footprint. A single operator can run all mission profiles, and a unified maintenance course covers all radar functions. This is not just efficiency, it is national readiness, reimagined. The threats of tomorrow are already here. With the GM200 MM/C, Canada can meet them head-on. PERSPECTIVE

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