Thales Delivers Cutting-Edge ForceShield System to Strengthen Portugal’s Air Defence

Thales-Delivers-Cutting-Edge-ForceShield-System-to-Strengthen-Portugals-Air-Defence

(IN BRIEF) Thales has signed a landmark contract with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to provide its ForceShield air defence system to the Portuguese Army. This first-ever ForceShield contract with a European Union country aims to enhance Portugal’s very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) capabilities in line with NATO’s recommendations. The system includes advanced components such as the Ground Master 200 radar, ControlView command-and-control centre, RapidRanger vehicles with StarStreak and LMM missiles, and portable weapon allocation terminals. Designed to protect against diverse airborne threats, the acquisition marks a significant step in modernizing Portugal’s defence capabilities under its Military Programming Law framework.

(PRESS RELEASE) MEUDON, 19-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In a significant development for European defence collaboration, Thales and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) have signed a contract to deliver the ForceShield air defence system to the Portuguese Army. This agreement marks the first time Thales has supplied a ForceShield system to a European Union nation and aligns with Portugal’s Military Programming Law, which outlines the modernization of its armed forces and defence equipment.

The ForceShield system is designed to strengthen very short-range air defence (VSHORAD) capabilities, a priority for NATO to bolster protection against modern airborne threats. The system provides comprehensive protection against a wide array of threats, including unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), helicopters, cruise missiles, and low-altitude attacks.

Comprehensive Air Defence Solution

The ForceShield solution for Portugal includes cutting-edge technology, such as the Ground Master 200 air surveillance radar, a sophisticated radio communications system, and the ControlView air defence command-and-control centre. Additionally, the package features RapidRanger vehicles equipped with StarStreak and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), along with portable weapon allocation terminals.

The Ground Master 200 radar enhances situational awareness by detecting and tracking threats quickly and maintaining continuous locks, giving operators more time to assess and respond. The ControlView system coordinates threat evaluation and assigns appropriate weapon systems for neutralization through integrated portable terminals.

The RapidRanger platform, a lightweight, vehicle-based system, offers fast, automated responses to both air and surface threats. Its deployment with StarStreak and LMM missiles ensures versatile engagement capabilities, making it a crucial component in Portugal’s defence arsenal.

Strengthening NATO Defence Standards

This contract represents a major milestone for Thales, reflecting NATO’s confidence in its air defence systems. It also underscores Portugal’s commitment to modernizing its defence infrastructure in line with NATO’s strategic recommendations for enhanced VSHORAD capabilities.

“Thales is honoured to support the Portuguese Army in reinforcing their airspace sovereignty with our trusted ForceShield solution,” said Raphael Desi, Vice-President of Integrated Airspace Protection Systems at Thales. “This first European contract demonstrates the growing reliance on our systems by NATO countries and nations worldwide.”

A Strategic Investment in Security

The acquisition of the ForceShield system marks a strategic step for Portugal in protecting its forces, critical infrastructure, and citizens from a growing spectrum of airborne threats. By leveraging advanced surveillance, communication, and missile defence systems, Portugal is bolstering its ability to respond effectively to modern security challenges.

This agreement further strengthens Thales’s position as a trusted partner in air defence, showcasing its commitment to delivering innovative solutions that safeguard national and regional security.

About Thales in Portugal

Thales Portugal, with over 36 years of presence in the country, is a key contributor to Thales Group’s global operations. It operates two main centres of excellence: one for naval engineering, focused on developing combat management systems, and another for air traffic management solutions.

Thales employs over 400 people in Portugal, actively supporting the defence, aerospace, and cybersecurity sectors, while playing a significant role in advancing Portugal’s technological infrastructure.

About Thales

Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies specialising in three business domains: Defence & Security, Aeronautics & Space and Cybersecurity & Digital identity.

It develops products and solutions that help make the world safer, greener and more inclusive.

The Group invests close to €4 billion a year in Research & Development, particularly in key innovation areas such as AI, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, cloud technologies and 6G.

Thales has close to 81,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2023, the Group generated sales of €18.4 billion.

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SOURCE: Thales