Norwegian mechanical engineering firm Ritek has entered an agreement with Thales to carry out vehicle integration of Ground Master 200 multi-mission compact radars (GM200 MM/C).
The partnership is aimed at increasing the Norwegian footprint in the field of radars.
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It also reinforces the development of a key small and medium enterprise in the Norwegian defence value chain.
Ritek COO Morten Minsaas said: “Ritek’s collaboration with Thales has developed over the last two years, from initial discussions about integrating the artillery locating radar on a carrier, to now also include additional collaboration on future projects.
“The projects we cooperate on are very challenging and will contribute in developing Ritek further as an integration partner for demanding international OEMs, within the defence industry, as well as a new business area for us.”
In May this year, the Norwegian Defence Material Agency (NDMA) signed an agreement with the Netherlands Defence Material Organisation (DMO) to procure five Thales GM200 MM/C radars.
This government-to-government contract builds on ‘strategic’ bi-lateral defence ties between the Netherlands and Norway.
Designed to offer protection to high-value assets and troops, the GM200 MM family radars can detect ‘smaller, faster, more agile targets’ at longer ranges.
The GM200 MM/C radar variant is designed to meet the needs of modern complex battlefield environments.
It is one of the two radar versions of GM200 MM family with the other being GM200 MM/A.
The radar can conduct counter battery and weapon locating missions and support short-range air defence and very short-range air defence missions.
Thales Norway CEO Nils Toverud said: “Creating a strong footprint in Norway is important for Thales.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Ritek, a competent and trustworthy partner, with a long history supporting the armed forces and strong commitment to quality and delivering on time, an excellent collaborator and we look forward to working hand in hand.”
