Thales to Supply Two Additional GM400α Radars to Strengthen Malaysia’s Air Surveillance

During Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim’s state visit to France, Thales was awarded an official Letter of Award (LOA) to deliver two additional Ground Master 400 alpha (GM400α) long-range air surveillance radars. This move underscores Malaysia’s continued confidence in Thales’ technology, bringing the total number of GM400 radars in the country to four.

Strengthening Malaysian Air Sovereignty

The GM400α is a globally recognised, combat-proven radar system, deployed by over 20 nations. Designed for high mobility and accuracy, it provides air surveillance coverage up to 515 km and can detect a broad spectrum of threats—from fast jets and missiles to low-flying UAVs and hovering helicopters.

Long-Standing Presence and Partnership in Malaysia

Thales has been active in Malaysia for over four decades, with experience across both civil and defence sectors. Notably, Malaysia was the first country to procure the GM400 radar, highlighting its pioneering role in adopting advanced air surveillance capabilities.

To ensure seamless deployment, Thales will work with local partner Weststar Group to install and integrate the radars across Peninsular and Eastern Malaysia. This collaboration supports Malaysia’s strategy of boosting local industrial capabilities through Industrial Cooperation Programmes (ICPs).

Building Local Expertise and Sovereignty

In addition to radar delivery, Thales will support lifecycle maintenance, provide on-ground training, and lead knowledge transfer initiatives to nurture a new generation of Malaysian radar specialists. These efforts align with the country’s broader national goals in Artificial Intelligence, Space, and Cybersecurity.

“This award is a recognition of Thales’ unparalleled radar expertise, honed through the years and on the battlefield. We are delighted to receive this award from Prime Minister Anwar on his state visit to France to commemorate the strong bilateral relations between our two countries. As a global technology leader and with our long-standing relationship with Weststar, Thales is committed to helping Malaysia build up its national defence sector.”

— Hervé Dammann, Executive Vice-President, Land and Air Systems, Thales

Combat-Proven Performance

The GM400α radar is equipped with GaN-based technology and advanced signal processing capabilities, offering a Recognised Air Picture (RAP) for enhanced situational awareness. With more than 270 radars sold worldwide, it remains a benchmark for reliability, mobility, and interoperability within modern air defence systems.

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