The first SMART-S Mk2 radar system was successfully installed end of June 2007 on board of the HDMS Absalon, the first of the two new Flexible Support Ships of the Royal Danish Navy to be equipped.

The Factory Acceptance Test of Thales' medium to long range radar was held in January of this year. As Absalon is already in operation for the Royal Danish Navy, a time slot had to be scheduled for the installation of SMART-S Mk2 on board. In July the system will be set in operation, the Harbour Acceptance Test will be held and the final integration with the combat management system will be performed shortly after followed by sea trials.

The second SMART-S Mk2 Factory Acceptance Test and the radar on-board installation will take place by the end of the year 2007.

SMART-S Mk2 is Thales' new E/F-band 3D medium to long range Volume Search Radar, optimised for operation in littoral conditions. Its size and weight match Fast Attack Craft and larger and upwards vessel types. As SMART-S Mk2 fully matches the engagement envelope of the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile, the system is perfectly suited for AAW applications. SMART-S Mk2 has a coverage of 250 km in range and up to 70 degrees in elevation. The system is fully solid state guaranteeing very high availability. SMART-S Mk2's capabilities also include surface surveillance, surface gunfire support and helicopter guidance. Nine SMART-S Mk2 systems are already under contract today.

SMART-S Mk2 has been developed in three and a half years according to schedule, proving Thales' expertise in the development of naval radar systems.

About Thales
Thales is a leading international electronics and systems group, serving defence, aerospace and security markets worldwide, supported by a comprehensive services offering. The group’s civil and military businesses develop in parallel to serve a single objective: the security of people, property and nations. Leveraging a global network of high-level researchers, Thales offers a capability unmatched in Europe to develop and deploy critical information systems. Thales employs 70,000 people in 50 countries and generated revenues of € 10.3 billion in 2006, with a record order book of over € 20 billion.
Thales Nederland, established in 1922, is one of the leading companies in naval systems for surveillance, weapon control, combat management and system integration world-wide.