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Thales demos capability of ballistic missile tracking radar

Thales' ballistic missile tracking radar has demonstrated its capabilities during an international naval exercise held in Europe sponsored by the U.S. Navy.

By Richard Tomkins
Thales' SMART-L MM radar for detecting and tracking ballistic missile threats, pictured, recently demonstrated its capabilities in an international exercise organized by the U.S. Navy. Photo courtesy of Thales
Thales' SMART-L MM radar for detecting and tracking ballistic missile threats, pictured, recently demonstrated its capabilities in an international exercise organized by the U.S. Navy. Photo courtesy of Thales

Oct. 9 (UPI) -- Thales' SMART-L MM radar system has successfully demonstrated its missile-tracking capabilities in a U.S. Navy exercise in Europe, the company announced on Monday.

The radar, mounted on the test tower at a company facility in Hengelo, Netherlands, detected and tracked a ballistic missile at an average range of more than 932 miles for more than five minutes without difficulties.

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The ballistic missile was launched from the Hebrides in Scotand for The U.S. Navy's Formidable Shield 2017, an international exercise for the defense against missiles.

Thales said the detecting and tracking of the missile by SMART-L Multi Mission radar sufficient to enable Launch On Remote by BMD-capable naval ships.

"This milestone proves that Thales is a world leader in radar applications for ballistic missile defense," Gerben Edelijn, chief executive officer of Thales in the Netherlands, said in a press release. "With SMART-L MM, Thales can provide armed forces all over the world with a powerful sensor that enables the protection of nation states against the increasing threat of ballistic missiles."

Thales is supplying four SMART-L MM radars to the Royal Netherlands Navy from 2018 onward on the country's four De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates. It will also supply two systems to the Royal Netherlands Air Force.

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