Paris/Hengelo. Eurosam and Thales signed a contract for the delivery and installation of four SMART-L MM/N long-range radars to be installed on two French and two Italian Horizon class frigates. The first SMART-L MM/N is scheduled for delivery in 2026. The replacement of the original S1850 long-range radar with the SMART-L MM/N provides a capabilities upgrade enabling the ships, in operation since 2007, to meet the latest threats.
The fully digital AESA SMART-L MM/N is designed to provide long-range air & surface surveillance and target designation, capable of detecting a wide spectrum of threats, including ballistic missiles. The radar combines Anti Air Warfare (AAW) and Ballistic Missile (BM) defence in one mode by adaptable radar wave-forms for the various tasks in a single rotation.
Today, the SMART-L MM/N is operational on four “De Zeven Provinciën” class frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy, together with the land-based version of the radar (SMART L/ MM F) for the Royal Netherlands Air Force. The Swedish Armed Forces also contracted the SMART-L MM/F earlier this year.
“We are extremely proud to have been selected by two major NATO navies for delivering air surveillance and ballistic missile defence capabilities for their frigates. Through this important contract, Thales contributes to international cooperation in naval air defence”, says Christophe Salomon, Executive Vice President Thales Land and Air Systems.
