Thales announced that the Sea Fire 500 radar, which will equip the French Navy's Intermediate-Size Frigates, has entered in production phase, signifying the end of the testing phase. The SeaFire 500 represents a new generation of multifunction radar, using 4 fixed active AESA antennas, allowing the detection of supersonic mobiles.
According to the manufacturer, this radar has unrivaled performance in Europe, with a very extensive spectrum of detection capabilities and a significant range. This radar is optimized for the implementation of the Aster30 anti-aircraft defense missile, and the Aster30Block1 anti-missile defense missile, while allowing the implementation of medium and short range missiles, such as the Aster15, the Mica VL and the Mistral.
Thanks to its 4 fixed active antennas, this radar does not suffer from the disadvantages of rotating antennas, which are quickly outdated compared to supersonic mobiles, and totally ineffective when they exceed mach 3. However, more and more anti-ship missiles are evolving at high supersonic speeds. It cannot therefore be ruled out that this type of radar will replace the FREMM Herakles radar during their mid-life overhauls.