Thales To Modify SMART-L Radars For Netherlands Navy

Thales and the Netherlands Defence Materiel Organization have signed an agreement today to modify four SMART-L volume search radars installed on the “De Zeven Provinciën” class air defence and command frigates of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The new SMART-L radar will be optimized for the early detection of ballistic missiles. Capable of detecting ballistic missiles shortly after their launch, the SMART-L has this early warning capability simultaneously with its traditional air defence capability. It will be able to detect and track several threats simultaneously and make an accurate calculation of each missile’s ballistic trajectory, and accurately estimate its point of impact as well as its launch position. Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales Nederland, said, “This contract confirms our leading position world-wide in naval sensor technology and system integration. Through this contract we support NATO’s long-term plans for a maritime defence against ballistic missiles”. SMART-L is a volume search radar that scans large volumes of the air space so that it can detect missiles without external cues.