Belgium is moving ahead with plans to strengthen its air defence network through the selection of GM200 MM/C radar systems supplied by Thales. The equipment will form part of the country’s Blue Dome programme, a layered defence project designed to improve the detection and tracking of potential aerial threats and connect different parts of the national defence network.
The radar systems are intended to provide a shared picture of activity in the air. They will help military operators detect and track objects and pass information to command centres and other parts of the defence architecture. This is important for a layered system, where surveillance equipment, command facilities and defensive weapons need to work together and respond quickly to possible threats.
Belgium’s Blue Dome programme is part of a wider effort to strengthen the country’s ability to monitor and protect its airspace. The plan involves linking different sensors and defence systems rather than relying on a single type of equipment. The GM200 MM/C radar is designed for mobile surveillance and target tracking, allowing it to contribute to a wider network.
Thales has a significant industrial presence in Belgium, with more than 1,400 employees working across 12 sites in the country. The company also said it recruited more than 100 people in Belgium during 2026, reflecting its continued investment in local operations and technical expertise.
The announcement did not provide the total value of the radar order, the exact number of units Belgium will receive or a confirmed delivery schedule. However, the selection represents another step in the development of Blue Dome and highlights Belgium’s focus on improving its air surveillance and defence capabilities through cooperation with European industry.
