Germany has signed a contract with Thales for the procurement of 60 Ground Observer 12 (GO12) battlefield radar systems intended for use by the German Armed Forces.
The agreement covers not only the radar units themselves but also supporting equipment, spare parts, and operator training. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026, supported by increased production capacity at Thales’ facility in Ditzingen, Germany.
Commenting on the contract, Thales Germany CEO Christoph Ruffner said the order reflects the confidence the German military has placed in the company’s technologies and highlights Thales’ commitment to supporting national defense requirements with operationally proven systems.
Mobile Radar for Modern Battlefields
The Ground Observer 12 is a lightweight tactical radar designed to support reconnaissance missions and artillery spotting operations. The system is capable of identifying and tracking a wide range of targets, including drones, vehicles, helicopters, and dismounted personnel while maintaining 360-degree surveillance coverage.
Developed for highly mobile military units, the GO12 package includes a radar sensor, control laptop, tripod, power supply, and connection cables. Its battery system enables continuous operation for up to six hours in the field.
The radar’s compact sensor module occupies approximately 28 liters of volume and is lightweight enough to be transported by two soldiers alongside their standard combat equipment.
According to Thales, the system can be deployed by a single operator in approximately two minutes, allowing rapid setup during tactical operations. An integrated Ethernet interface enables the transmission of radar data across standard IP-based military networks.
Operating in the Ku-band frequency range, the GO12 can detect and accurately locate individual personnel at distances of up to 8 kilometers (5 miles). Larger targets such as vehicles and helicopters can be identified at ranges reaching 16 kilometers (10 miles).
The radar is designed to maintain performance in challenging environmental conditions, including darkness, fog, and heavy rainfall, providing forces with enhanced situational awareness regardless of weather or visibility.
