Qatar has signed a deal with Thales for the acquisition of two advanced radar systems—the GM400α and GM200 MM/A—to bolster its airspace defense. The Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) finalized the contract during the DIMDEX show held in Doha from January 19 to 22, 2026. The order includes a decade-long maintenance agreement.
The GM400α is a state-of-the-art long-range air-surveillance radar with a range of up to 515 km, designed to track airborne threats over vast distances. Meanwhile, the GM200 MM/A, an upgraded version of Thales’ GM200, is a mobile radar system capable of monitoring both air and surface targets at distances of up to 350 km. This radar also supports fire control for air-defense systems, including those used to intercept artillery shells.
This new addition complements Thales’ previous deliveries to Qatar, including the RBE2 radars for the QEAF’s Rafale multirole fighters and a long-range L-band radar installed in northern Qatar in June 2023. These systems significantly enhance the country’s air-defense capabilities, contributing to its ongoing modernization efforts.
