Just as technology provides ways for aircraft to evade radar detection, AI capabilities in radar systems must be kept in pace.
On 8 Dec 2023, the Royal Malaysian Air Force of Malaysia (RMAF) signed an agreement with France to obtain AI-enhanced long range radar equipment to boost the South-east Asian country’s air surveillance, defense and situational awareness capabilities.
Since 2009, the RMAF has already been using a field-proven version of the long range radar system, and the new version is a natural progression to an enhanced system. With five times more processing power, an increase in instrumented range of more than 10% (515km) and AI capabilities, the new system provides extended air surveillance capabilities.
Given the multitude of threats and conflicts in constant evolution, building a reliable, accurate, up-to-date Recognized Air Picture (RAP) the GM400α meets the challenges to maintain airspace sovereignty, providing superior situational awareness at all times.
Given the multitude of international geopolitical threats and conflicts in constant evolution, the RMAF is focused on building a reliable, accurate, up-to-date Recognized Air Picture (RAP) to maintain airspace sovereignty, providing superior situational awareness at all times. This involves the preemptive detection of multiple targets such as fast jets and missiles, hovering helicopters and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles flying close to the ground or hiding in the clutter near radar installations. In addition, the country’s radar capabilities must continue to maintain the highest level of mobility, availability and performance.
According to François-Xavier Boutes, Country Director (Malaysia), Thales Group, the French technology firm supplying the enhanced radar system named Ground Master 400α: “This new contract reinforces the defense cooperation between France and Malaysia. With historic deep roots in Malaysia, (which is) a strong local installed base, Thales is proud to strengthen Malaysia’s air sovereignty.”
Under the contract, the firm will deliver a complete radar station, including building, access road, energy, air conditioning, telecommunications, radome and all the associated logistics.
